The flexibility of natural gas-fired generation is supported by the four different technology types used in these plants: combined-cycle gas turbines (CCGT), simple-cycle gas turbines (SCGT), steam turbines (ST),
The average utilization rate (or capacity factor) for the entire U.S. fleet of combined-cycle natural gas turbine (CCGT) electric power plants has risen as the operating efficiency of new CCGT units has improved. The CCGT capacity factor rose from 40% in 2008 to 57% in 2022.
A combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant uses the exhaust heat from gas turbines to generate steam with a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG). The produced steam is then fed to a steam turbine to provide additional power, either running a generator or as a mechanical drive.
Combined-cycle systems are significantly more efficient. The capacity of natural gas-fired units added since 2006 has been, on average, more efficient than the existing fleet, and the natural gas-fired capacity retired
A prominent technology today for the energy conversion of fossil fuels, such as natural gas (NG) and oil, are the gas turbine systems. These machines reach high energy conversion efficiencies due to technological progress and advanced materials in their design and construction.
The gross efficiency (LHV) at Shunde is 43% (43.8% nominal), based on a guaranteed heat rate of 8376 kJ/kWh (8221 nominal). Slow roll to running speed with the gas turbine takes 5 minutes. Getting the steam turbine running takes approximately two hours).
Just as aero-derivative technology opened new market possibilities, today''s advances in turbines designed for gas-fired power production—the 200-MW-and-larger units that drive combined
A simple cycle gas turbine can achieve energy conversion efficiencies ranging between 20 and 35 percent. With the higher temperatures achieved in the Department of Energy''s turbine program, future hydrogen and syngas fired gas turbine combined cycle plants are likely to achieve efficiencies of 60 percent or more.
Gas turbines can be particularly efficient when waste heat from the turbine is recovered by a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) to power a conventional steam turbine in a combined cycle configuration.
Having achieved greater than 60% efficient emissions-compliant operation, the new-era turbines are entering what could be referred to as "flexible efficiency," as the focus shifts toward the ability to adjust to new types of demands for efficient operations.