- Gas Turbine Power Plant Definition: A gas turbine power plant is a complex system that converts the energy from burning fuel into mechanical and then electrical energy.
- Main Components: The essential parts include a compressor, regenerator, combustion chamber, gas turbine, alternator, and starting motor.
- Compression and Heating: Air is first compressed in the compressor, then heated in the regenerator using waste heat from the turbine, optimizing energy use.
- Energy Transformation: In the combustion chamber, fuel burns to drastically increase air temperature for efficient energy transfer to the turbine.
- Electricity Production: The alternator, connected to the turbine, generates electricity as the turbine rotates, utilizing the mechanical energy produced by the gas turbine.
The main components of a gas turbine power plant are the
- compressor,
- regenerator,
- combustion chamber,
- gas turbine,
- alternator, and
- starting motor.
Compressor
The air compressor in a gas turbine power plant, typically rotary type, features an air filter at its inlet to remove dust. As air passes through, rotary blades on a shaft compress it against stationary blocks, increasing its pressure before exiting.
Regenerator
Heat from the exhaust gases in a gas turbine power plant is captured by the regenerator, which contains a network of fine tubes. As the compressed air passes through these tubes, it absorbs heat from the exhaust gases, raising its temperature before entering the combustion chamber.
Combustion Chamber
After heating in the regenerator, the compressed air enters the combustion chamber, where fuel oil is sprayed and ignited. This process heats the air to about 3000°F, and it is then cooled to between 1500°F and 1300°F before being directed to the turbine to perform mechanical work.
Alternator
The rotor of an alternator is connected to the turbine’s shaft, causing it to rotate and generate electrical energy as the turbine spins.
Starting Motor
In a gas turbine power plant, the compressor, alternator, and turbine share a common shaft. Initially, the system needs pre-compressed air, which the starting motor provides by rotating the shaft and powering the compressor.
Turbine
The compressed air mixed with combustion gases then enters in the turbine through nozzles. Here, the mixture of gases is suddenly expanded and it gains required kinetic energy to do mechanical work to rotate the turbine shaft (main shaft). In the turbine the temperature of the gases comes down to 900oF.
