Gas turbine engine efficiency

The gas turbine is most efficient at maximum power output in the same way reciprocating engines are most efficient at maximum load. The difference is that at lower rotational speed the pressure of the compressed air drops and thus thermal and fuel efficiency drop dramatically. This broad definition includes airbreathing jet engines and non-airbreathing jet engines (such as rocket engines ). In reality, CCGT power plants often cycle frequently.

Operation at partial load and turndown limitations can restrict the flexibility of CCGT plants.

To compare the performance of CCGTs, simple cycle gas turbines , and Wärtsilä combustion engines at varying loa efficiency data was produced using GT PRO.

Options for operating Brayton cycle gas turbine engines .

In terms of compressor temperature ratio, and using the relation for an adiabatic reversible process we can write the efficiency in terms of the compressor (and cycle) . There is two types of efficiencies. Now, mechanical efficiency of gas turbine is higher than that of I. But thermal efficiency of gas turbine is lesser than that of I. It is the ratio of net work produced by the engine to the chemical energy supplied in the form of fuel. The three most important factors affecting the thermal efficiency. Say for example its thickness to . A few questions have come up - why are steam piston engines no longer used?

Are turbines more efficient than pistons?

Engine power outputs now exceed MW and benefit from increasing efficiency. Forget the conventional wisdom that “bigger is better” – molecularity in power plant design enhances flexibility and reliability. Combustion engine power plants comprised of multiple generating units complement renewable energy without sacrificing efficiency. And unlike large combined cycle gas turbines , . In an ordinary (non combined cycle) heat engine the remaining heat (e.g., hot exhaust fumes) from combustion is generally wasted.

Combining two or more thermodynamic cycles in improved overall efficiency , reducing fuel costs.

OK, I realize that the way to do it is to get the gas turbine to run an electrical generator and then an auto. But in the end is this method more energy efficient than an internal combustion engine. I am NOT asking about initial cost - if it is more efficient , cost cutting manufacturing methods will be forthcoming.

The use of abradable coatings has enabled increased efficiency gas turbine engines by reducing the clearances between fan and shroud and increasing the operating temperature.

They can be applied to many other rotating machines by thermal spray processes. An ultrahigh efficiency GT technology (UHEGT) is develope where the combustion process is no longer .