Session: 06-03 Pressure Gain Combustion II

Paper Number: 124972

124972 - A Comprehensive Thermodynamic Analysis of Gas Turbine Combined Cycles With Pressure Gain Combustion Based on Humphrey Cycle 

The paper describes a comprehensive thermodynamic analysis of the gas turbine combined cycle (GTCC) equipped with pressure gain combustion (PGC). PGC has recently acquired interest due to its potential to improve the performance of gas turbine cycles when it replaces conventional combustion. However, the inherently unsteady and periodic nature of this combustion technology presents challenges in modeling the PGC process and understanding its impact on the cycle. The present work investigates the potential of a PGC to improve the efficiency and power output of GTCCs for land-based power generation. PGC is represented by a steady-state zero-dimensional constant volume combustion (CVC) model including important loss parameters such as PGC inlet pressure loss, degree of isobaric combustion and internal expansion efficiency. The PGC cycle is simulated with realistic component efficiencies and operating conditions in the WTEMP (Web-based Thermo-Economic Modular Program) software, an original modular cycle analysis tool developed at the University of Genova. The investigated GTCC layout consists of a PGC-GT turbine integrated with a steam bottoming cycle through three different configurations of heat recovery steam generator, namely, one pressure-level without reheat, two pressure-level with reheat and three pressure-level with reheat, in order to study a wide range of GTCC application. Cycle performance is studied with two different fuels, natural gas and hydrogen, to account for the difference in combustion specific heat addition on cycle performance. Moreover, the cycle performance is investigated with turbine cooling models that are representative of different cooling technology levels to understand the effect of blade cooling advancements on futuristic PGC cycles. An on-design performance map of efficiency and specific work is presented at a wide range of cycle pressure ratios and turbine inlet temperatures. The study provides benchmark values for a realistic assessment of performance improvements in modern GTCC by implementing pressure gain combustion solutions.

 

Presenting Author: Abhishek Dubey University of Genova

Presenting Author Biography: Abhishek is an aerospace engineer from India. He obtained a Master's in aerospace propulsion from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India, in 2018 and subsequently worked at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore for three years before joining the INSPIRE program at the University of Genoa in January 2022. He has over five years of research experience in the field of gas turbine combustion, emission reduction technologies, laser diagnostics and the design of high-pressure optically accessible test rigs. He is passionate about developing more efficient and clean gas turbine technologies for propulsion and power generation.

Authors:

Abhishek Dubey University of Genova
Alessandro Sorce University of Genova
Panagiotis Stathopoulos German Aerospace Center (DLR)