Efficient use of energy by utilizing gas turbine combined systems

The gas turbine engine is characterized by its relatively low capital cost compared with steam power plants. It has environmental advantages and short construction lead time. However, conventional industrial engines have lower efficiencies especially at part load. One of the technologies adopted nowadays for improvement is the "combined cycle". Hence, it is expected that the combined cycle continues to gain acceptance throughout the world as a reliable, flexible and efficient base load power generation plant. In this article, 12 research investigations, carried out by the author and associates during the last 10 years are briefly reviewed. These cover 12 gas turbine systems which would contribute towards efficient use of energy. They entail fundamental studies in addition to applications of combined systems in industry including: the closed gas turbine cycle; the organic Rankine cycle; repowering; integrated power and refrigeration; cryogenic power; liquefied natural gas (LNG) gasification; and inlet air cooling. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.