A couple of questions on Gas/Steam turbines.

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This discussion focuses on the operational differences between gas turbines and steam turbines in Combined Cycle Power Plants (CCPP). Gas turbines are installed in open atmospheres due to their design and operational requirements, while steam turbines operate under roofs to facilitate closed Rankine cycles. The conversation also highlights the use of axial and centrifugal compressors in gas power plants, emphasizing that reciprocating compressors are not typically used due to their lower mass flow rates and higher operational speeds. Additionally, the technical distinctions between Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSG) and traditional steam boilers are addressed, noting that HRSGs operate at lower temperatures.

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  • Understanding of Combined Cycle Power Plants (CCPP)
  • Knowledge of gas turbine and steam turbine operations
  • Familiarity with compressor types: axial and centrifugal
  • Basic principles of thermodynamics, particularly the Rankine cycle
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  • Research the performance characteristics of GE's LMS and PGT series gas turbines
  • Explore the design and operational principles of Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSG)
  • Investigate the advantages and disadvantages of different compressor types in gas power applications
  • Study the thermodynamic cycles used in gas and steam turbines to optimize efficiency
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Engineers, power plant operators, and energy sector professionals looking to deepen their understanding of gas and steam turbine operations, as well as those involved in the design and optimization of Combined Cycle Power Plants.

mecheng
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1. Why Gas turbines are placed in open atmosphere while steam turbines under roof in Combined Cycle Power Plant?

2. What are the reasons for not using the reciprocating compressors with Gas turbines other than mass flow rate?

Thanks in advance!
 
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mecheng said:
reciprocating compressors

What does it mean? :confused:
 
Clausius2 said:
What does it mean? :confused:

In Gas Power Plants, two types of compressors are used.

1. Axial Flow (Rotary)
2. Centrifugal

Is it possible to use a reciprocating compressor in Gas Power Plants?
 
My experience is that the compressor is on the same shaft as the gas turbine, and a rotary compressor is integrated into the turbine system. Basically modern gas fired turbines are aeroderivative designs based on jet (aircraft) engines. See GE turbine page:
http://www.gepower.com/prod_serv/products/aero_turbines/en/index.htm - look at the both the LMS and PGT series' performance characteristics.

It may be possible that a reciprocating pump is used in the fuel supply system. But look at GE's Compressor products page for some performance characteristics of different designs.

From GE - http://www.gepower.com/prod_serv/products/compressors/en/index.htm

Axial compressors are used for very high flow and low pressure applications. Our product range covers extensive customer requirements, from highly standardized equipment to cutting-edge compression solutions for liquefied natural gas plants.

Performance
• Inlet volume from 100,000 to 600,000 m³/h
• Discharge pressure up to 25 bar-absolute

--------------------------------------------
Vertically split compressors are designed to cover a wide range of applications and pressures. They are used primarily for high pressure applications such as ammonia, urea and methanol synthesis, refinery recycle and natural gas compression and injection.

Performance for High Pressure Applications
• Capacity range: up to 15000 m³/h (3,531,700 ft³/h)
• Pressure: up to 700 bar (10,157 psi)

--------------------------------------------
Horizontally split compressors are used for high flow and low pressure applications. The GE Oil & Gas range of products covers all market needs from standardized equipment to cutting-edge compression solutions such as state-of-the-art compressors for liquefied natural gas plants.

Performance
• Capacity range: up to 500,000 m³/h (17,658,000 ft³/h)
• Pressure: up to 40 bar (580 psi)

--------------------------------------------------------------

Steam turbines are used in a closed (Rankine) cycle where the discharge is condensed and recycle back to the boiler, which in a combined cycle plant can be based on the discharge of the gas turbine. The CO2 cannot be condensed under the same conditions, and is therefore discharge to the atmosphere.

Another factor is that centrifugal pumps operate at lower speeds, e.g. 1200 rpm as compared to >3600 rpm power a gas turbine shaft. Gearing down would just add to capital and maintenance costs.
 
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Thanks Astronuc!

Your reply was quiet helpful.

One more question regarding the CCPP.

Q. Is there any technical difference between HRSG (Heat Recovery Steam Generator) and Steam Generator/Boiler (used in Steam Power Plants)?
 
HRSG are located downstream in the exhaust of a boiler, so I suspect while they are technically similar to boilers, they operate a lower temperatures. See this site for some examples of HRSG's and boilers. There are differences in size and geometry.

http://www.power-technology.com/contractors/boilers/gallery.html

Hitachi http://www.hitachi.us/Apps/hitachicom/content.jsp?page=powerequipment/PowerGeneration/Boilers/index.html&level=2&section=powerequipment&parent=PowerGeneration&nav=left&path=jsp/hitachi/forbus/powerequipmentsystems/&nId=iD
http://www.hitachi.us/Apps/hitachicom/content.jsp?page=powerequipment/PowerGeneration/HRSG/index.html&level=2&section=powerequipment&parent=PowerGeneration&nav=left&path=jsp/hitachi/forbus/powerequipmentsystems/&nId=iD

Altsom

Also, check out the power industry trade journal Power Engineering published by Pennwell Publishing Co. -http://pepei.pennnet.com/
 
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