(TOPIC 5) Combined-Cycle Power Generation
(TOPIC 5) Combined-Cycle Power Generation
(TOPIC 5) Combined-Cycle Power Generation
ASSIGNMENT
Each group is required to prepare a report for this task. Choose one of the 13
topics listed below:
Please take note that all report will be checked in Turnitin software. Marks will
be deducted if the Turnitin report is high.
Remarks:
-GOOD LUCK-
FAKULTI TEKNOLOGI DAN KEJURUTERAAN ELEKTRIK, UTeM
SUBJECT: BELG 2433 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 2023/2024
Group members: (Please write your name / matric number and / Section
Marking rubrics
3.1 Supported Diagram and Illustration for Combined-Cycle Power Generation. .................. 17
References ................................................................................................................................ 21
1.1 Introduction.
A combined cycle power plant is a collection of heat engines that operate together using
the same heat source to turn it into mechanical energy. On land, the most prevalent method of
generating electricity is via the use of a combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plant, which is a
kind of power plant that runs on gas. A similar technique is used in maritime propulsion,
referred to as a combined gas and steam (COGAS) plant. Integrating many thermodynamic
cycles enhances the total efficiency, hence decreasing fuel expenses.
The basic idea is that, upon completing its cycle in the first engine, the working fluid (referred
to as the exhaust) retains sufficient heat to allow a second following heat engine to harness
energy from the heat that exists in the exhaust. Typically, the heat is transferred via a heat
exchanger to allow the two engines to use distinct operating fluids.
By collecting energy from several sources of work, the total efficiency may be enhanced by
50–60%. The total efficiency of the system may range from around 34% for a basic cycle to as
high as 64% for the turbine alone under certain circumstances in a mixed cycle. This exceeds
84% of the predicted efficiency of a Carnot cycle. Heat engines have a limited ability to harness
the energy from their fuel, resulting in the loss of excess heat generated during combustion.
The efficiency of a heat engine is limited by the temperature disparity between the heat intake
and the heat output. Water serves as the working medium in a thermal power plant. Strong and
robust components are necessary for handling high pressure steam. Elevated temperatures
necessitate the use of costly alloys composed of nickel or cobalt, as opposed to the more
affordable steel. These alloys restrict the maximum achievable steam temperatures to 655 °C.
The minimum temperature of a steam plant is determined by the temperature of the cooling
water. Within these constraints, the maximum efficiency of a steam plant is limited to a range
of 35-42%.
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1.2 Objective.
A typical combined cycle power plant. CCPP Multiple kinds of power plants exist, such
as thermal and hydraulic power plants. Thermal power plants use various types of fuel, such as
fossil or nuclear fuel, to generate heat energy. This heat energy is then transformed into
electrical energy via a sequence of intermediary procedures.
The conventional thermal power plant is often known as the Rankine cycle plant. The first
plants had thermal efficiencies ranging from around 25% to 30%. There has been a revival in
the gas turbine business during the last two to two and a half decades. The rise in gas turbine
efficiency may be attributed to advancements in materials and design. The increasing
prevalence of combined cycle power plants has also contributed to the expansion of the gas
turbine sector. A combined cycle power plant has one or more gas turbines that propel
generators and release exhaust into a boiler known as a Heat Recovery Steam Generator
(HRSG). This produces steam for the Rankine cycle system.
The main factor contributing to the widespread use of combined cycle power plants is their
superior thermal efficiency. Power plants using combined cycle technology have been
constructed, with thermal efficiency as high as 54%. Combined cycle power plants may achieve
high efficiency due to the efficient use of heat from the gas turbine, which is collected and
utilized in the Rankine cycle section of the plant. One other factor contributing to the
widespread use of combined cycle plants is their comparatively short building period. While
the construction of a combined cycle plant may need more time compared to a simple gas
turbine plant, it may still be completed far faster than a Rankine cycle plant with a similar
power output.
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2.1 Basic Principle of Combined-Cycle Power Generation.
Energy conversion to change chemical energy from fuel into kinetic energy, and then
produce electrical energy. In combined-cycle power generation, natural gas is one of the fuels
used. This is because the cost required is low, and there are many regions in Malaysia that have
natural gas. This natural gas was chosen because burning natural gas is cleaner than other fossil
fuels such as coal and oil. Next, natural gas can make power plants more efficient and have
lower emissions of pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and others. However, not all combined-
cycle power plants use natural gas, some also use other fuels such as diesel, biogas or hydrogen.
All this depends on deployment resources, regulatory requirements and sophisticated
technology. The basic principle of combined cycle power generation involves two
thermodynamic cycles namely the Brayton cycle (gas turbine cycle) and the Rankine cycle
(steam turbine cycle).
Firstly, gas turbine cycle is the Brayton cycle. This Brayton cycle is the main basis for gas
turbine engines. It is often used in various machines, such as aircraft propulsion and power
plants. According to the Brayton cycle principle, air is compressed in the turbine compressor.
The air is then mixed with the fuel, and burned under constant pressure conditions in the burner.
There are several steps involved in the gas turbine cycle. The first is the compression process.
This compression process is started by compressing the ambient air in the gas turbine engine
and the air is sucked in and compressed again to high pressure and temperature. This
compression will increase air energy and preparation for combustion. The second is the
combustion process. Only after high pressure air compression with high temperature enters the
combustion chamber which is where the fuel is burned. The burned fuel mixture has created a
rapid increase in temperature and pressure. Therefore, this burning process will release a lot of
heat energy. Next, the development process. The gas that results from combustion expands and
moves quickly through the turbine part of the engine because the gas is under high pressure.
Part of the energy will be transferred to the turbine when the gas passes through the turbine
blades and causes the blades to move. The mechanical energy resulting from the gas that
expands as a result of moving the high-pressure gas to move the turbine blades further produces
electricity and is then sent to the national grid for public use. This cycle results in the conversion
of thermal energy produced by combustion into mechanical energy, and then produces
electrical energy.
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Figure 1 Brayton Power Cycle
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Next, the Rankine cycle is also a steam turbine cycle where it is the basic principle of combined
cycle power generation. This principle has been widely used in the field of power plants that
convert thermal energy into mechanical energy and then into electrical energy. According to
the Rankine cycle principle, heat energy is supplied to the system via a boiler where the
working fluid (typically water) is converted to a high-pressure gaseous state (steam) in order
to turn a turbine. There are several steps involved in the steam turbine cycle and their
explanation. The first is the boiler process. This process begins with increasing heat to raise
the temperature of the water and convert it into steam. This usually happens in boilers when
burning fuel or other heat sources are used to raise the temperature of water and then produce
high-pressure steam. The second, the expansion process in the turbine. High pressure and high
temperature steam will move into the steam turbine. The steam will then move through the
blades and then transfer energy to the turbine blades. This will cause the turbine blades to
rotate, converting thermal steam energy into mechanical energy. Next is the output process.
When the blades of a rotating turbine connected to an electric generator will produce electricity.
The electricity will then be sent to the national grid for public use. And lastly is the
condensation process. The low-pressure steam leaves the turbine and then enters the condenser.
And this process, the cooled and condensed steam then turns back into water by transferring
heat to a cooler area like water from a river. In particular, these principles allow combined-
cycle power plants to achieve higher efficiency and the environment is more secure compared
to single-cycle power methods.
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2.2 Basic Operation of Combined-Cycle Power Generation.
The plant is a cleaner and efficient way of producing electricity and even captures waste
heat and uses it to increase the plant's electrical output. There are several important sections in
a combined-cycle power generation plant. Firstly, the gas turbine that is usually used is 9HA.
This turbine has a weight of at least 400 tons almost equivalent weight of a fully loaded being
747 aircraft. Gas turbine is an important element or also known as the heart of a power plant
compresses air and mixes that air with fuel which is ignited. The hot heat produced by the fuel
then moves the gas turbine blades to make them spin. The fast spinning turbine drives a
generator that converts the spinning energy into electricity.
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Third is the Main Steam Piping, which is the huge bundles of pipes running out of the HRSG.
Function of Main Steam Piping brings high temperature and high pressures steam from the
HRSG to the steam turbine.
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Figure 7 modern steam turbine generator (STG)
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2.3 Basic Construction of Combined-Cycle Power Generation.
Combined-cycle power generation equipment comes in two main configurations: single shaft
and multi-shaft. The single-shaft combined cycle system is made up of one gas turbine, one
steam turbine, one generator, and one heat recovery steam generator (HRSG), with the gas
turbine and steam turbine connected to a single generator in tandem. In multi-shaft combined-
cycle systems, one or more gas turbine generators and HRSGs send steam to a separate single
steam turbine generator unit via a shared header. Both types serve their intended purposes,
although the single shaft configuration excels in base load and mid-range power generating
applications. The multi-shaft combined-cycle system arrangement is most commonly used in
phased installations, where the gas turbines are installed and operated before the steam cycle,
and when the gas turbines need to be operated independently of the steam system. The multi-
shaft layout was most commonly used in the early days of heat recovery combined-cycle plants,
owing to its similarity to traditional steam power plants. The single shaft combined-cycle
system has emerged as the optimum form for single phase applications, where the gas turbine
and steam turbine installation and commercial operation are concomitant.
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2.4 Basic Material for Combined-Cycle Power Generation.
Combined cycle facilities are typically fueled by natural gas, but fuel oil, synthesis gas,
and other fuels can be utilized. Natural gas, fuel oil, or coal can all be used as supplemental
fuel. Biofuels can also be utilized. Integrated solar combined cycle power plants combine
energy captured from solar radiation with another fuel to reduce fuel consumption and
environmental effect. Many next-generation nuclear power plants can benefit from the larger
temperature range of a Brayton top cycle as well as the increased thermal efficiency provided
by a Rankine bottoming cycle.
Where extending a gas pipeline is unfeasible or economically unjustifiable, small-scale
combined cycle reactors powered by renewable fuels can provide energy demands in remote
places. Instead of natural gas, they gasify and burn agricultural and forestry waste, which is
frequently accessible in rural regions. Gas turbines mostly burn natural gas and light oil. Crude
oil, residual, and some distillates contain corrosive components, necessitating the use of fuel
treatment equipment. Furthermore, ash deposits from these fuels cause gas turbine deratings of
up to 15%. They may still be economically viable fuels, especially in combined-cycle plants.
Sodium and potassium are removed from residual, crude, and heavy distillates by a water
washing process. Light crude and light distillates can be purified using a simpler and less
expensive technology. A magnesium additive system may also be required to mitigate the
corrosive effects of vanadium. To ensure reliable, low-maintenance running of gas turbines,
fuels that require such treatment must have a separate fuel-treatment plant as well as an accurate
fuel monitoring system.
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2.5 Basic Requirement for Combined-Cycle Power Generation.
Combining the Brayton cycle (gas turbine) with the Rankine cycle (steam turbine), combined
cycle power plants are an extremely efficient form of power generating facility. The following
are the requirements for a combined cycle power plant:
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2.5.3 Steam Turbine.
The HRSG produces steam, and the steam turbine transforms that thermal energy into
mechanical energy that powers an electrical generator.
Figure 13 Generator
2.5.5 Cooling System.
Combined cycle power plants require efficient cooling systems to maintain optimal operating
temperatures for equipment, especially during hot weather.
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2.5.6 Condenser.
Steam is converted back into water in the condenser using cooling water from a local water
supply or a cooling tower after it has passed through the steam turbine.
Figure 15 Condenser
2.5.7 Control and monitor system.
The combined cycle power plant must have sophisticated control and monitoring systems in
order to operate safely and effectively. These systems oversee performance metrics, control the
functioning of different parts, and guarantee the plant's general dependability.
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2.6 The Consideration of Combined-Cycle Power Generation
Projects with combined cycle power plants can react swiftly to variations in the demand for
electricity. They are ideally suited to supply peak-load electricity because of their flexibility.
Furthermore, CCGT plants are capable of serving both peak demand and base load power
sources. To guarantee the effective planning, building, and operation of a combined cycle
power plant, a thorough assessment of several issues must be conducted before implementation
is taken into consideration. The main points have been separated through as follows:
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2.6.3 Environmental Impact.
The construction of combined cycle power plants has an impact on the environment. Among
them are greenhouse gas emissions, air pollutants, waste production, and aesthetic effects. For
sustainability, a combined cycle power plant has a big environmental impact. In order to
minimize negative effects and ensure regulatory compliance, it entails conducting thorough
assessments to understand potential effects on air quality, water usage, noise pollution, and
habitats. Finally, it involves implementing mitigation strategies like emissions control and
habitat restoration to promote environmental stewardship in plant development and operation.
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3.1 Supported Diagram and Illustration for Combined-Cycle Power Generation.
These are simple explanation based on this figure:
1. Natural gas is transformed into energy and used to power the turbine's blades by producing
hot exhaust gas.
2. The exhaust gas is directed toward the Steam Generator, which heats the processed water
and produces steam from it.
3. The generator is powered by rotating blades, and power lines carry the generated electricity
to homes and businesses.
4. After leaving the turbine, the steam travels to the condenser.
5. The condenser cools the steam and returns it to a liquid condition by passing cooling water
through it (condensate).
6. The cooling tower allowed the water to cool and be reused, which decreased the amount of
water that was directly submerged.
7. The condensate pump returned the heated exhaust gas-infused process water to the steam
generators. Restarting the entire process.
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3.2 Example of Combined-Cycle Power Generation Located in Malaysia.
Malaysia also has its own combined cycle power generation. This power generation is located
in Pulau Indah, Selangor. The electricity produced by the generator, which has generated
1.2GW of low carbon electricity will be sent to the national grid for public use around the
Klang Valley. The Pulau Indah Power Plant (PIPP) led by Worldwide and Korea Electric
Power has developed a Combined-Cycle Power Plant (CCPP). The Malaysian government
awarded the project to Tadmax Resources after receiving approval from the energy commission
to develop the project in September 2019. The Power Plant that was developed resides on Pulau
Indah, which is about 60km from Kuala Lumpur. It is being built on a 60-acre (24ha) reclaimed
land area adjacent to the Port Klang Free Zone. The Pulau Indah Power Plant (PPIP) uses
natural gas with an impressive net efficiency of about 62%, beating coal and oil. the plant will
comprise two units of GE 9HA.01 600MW gas turbines, an STF-D650 steam turbine, a W88
generator, and a Once Through Heat Recovery Steam Generator (OT HRSG). Advanced
technology such as the GE 9HA gas turbine has a double wall casing, durable solid blades, and
an aerodynamic hot gas path to provide high efficiency and cost effectiveness in electricity
generation. In addition, noise analysis and control technology will be combined to evaluate the
noise reduction effect of insulating materials to ensure that the environment is not polluted and
the operation is excellent. This project is estimated to cost a total of $800 million US Dollars
which is MYR 3.35 billion which has been financed through an agreement signed with Bank
Pembangunan Malaysia, Maybank Islamic and United Oversea Bank (Malaysia). Good
financial arrangements are needed to ensure the Pulau Indah Power Plant project runs
smoothly. A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) that has been signed with Tenaga Nasional
(TNB) to strengthen the 21-year commitment effective from the date of the power plant
agreement. The strategic agreement between the Pulau Indah power plant and TNB will ensure
a stable market for electricity and that can contribute to the stability and reliability of Malaysia's
energy grid in the long term.
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Figure 18 Pulau Indah Combined-Cycle Power Plant, Malaysia
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4.1 Conclusion.
The mixed cycle gas turbine is notable for its great thermal efficiency. By combining
the gas turbine and steam turbine cycles, this system may use a greater amount of the fuel's
energy, resulting in higher electricity generation efficiency than typical gas or steam turbine
power plants. In fact, combined cycle power plants have an energy conversion efficiency of
approximately 55- 60% (compared to 35-45% for typical thermal power plants).
However, the combined cycle power plant requires external energy to start the compressor.
Natural gas and biogas continue to be the most often used energy sources. This may also create
environmental issues, as CCGT units generate fewer pollutants and greenhouse gases than
coalfired plants, but they still emit carbon dioxide (CO2). As concerns about climate change
develop, there is increasing pressure to shift to even cleaner energy sources with low to zero
CO2 emissions, such as industrial heat pumps.
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