Energy and exergy analysis of a recuperative gas turbine with steam injection: a parametric study

Simultaneous energy and exergy analysis of power generation systems is essential for better understanding of the power generation processes, identification of inefficiency sources and effective utilization of energy resources. In this work, a detailed analysis of a standard gas turbine power plant system is presented from energy and exergy perspectives. The effect of various parameters such as inlet air conditions to the compressor, inlet fuel conditions to the combustion chamber, air preheating before the combustion chamber, steam injection to the combustion chamber and cycle temperature ratio were examined. Modeling results have indicated that lower inlet air temperature enhances the exergy and energy efficiencies and a higher net power output is achieved. It was also found that the steam injection to the combustion chamber increases the net power output and exergy efficiency and reduces NOx emissions considerably. The effects of fuel inlet temperature, pressure loss in the compressor air intake and gas turbine temperature ratio on the cycle performance are also investigated. The results of the present work highlight the direction in which engineers should concentrate their efforts to improve the performance of power generation systems.