Title: Conserving Energy by the Efficient Use of the Industrial Gas Turbine
Abstract: The paper covers the basic thermodynamics of the combined cycle concept and illustrates that energy conservation is possible by coupling the Joule and Rankine cycles. It discusses the optimisation of steam conditions and outlines the concept of the unfired combined cycle. “Carnot efficiency” and “pinch points” are shown to be important as is the concept of “specific work” as it relates to the gas turbine in arriving at the best overall cycle efficiencies. The importance of the efficiency characteristic of the steam turbine is emphasised and it is shown that this characteristic will determine the overall cycle efficiency. It is suggested that steam turbine manufacturers should design and develop steam turbines to match the advanced gas turbines available to-day and so enchance the overall efficiency which can presently be obtained from to-day’s combined cycle. Market forces will tend to bring this about as evidenced by the growing interest being shown in this concept both in the UK and Europe.