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OCGT Small¤

Overview¤

Small Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) systems (100MW) are a type of gas turbine power plant where air is compressed, mixed with fuel, and combusted. The resulting high-temperature gases expand through a turbine to generate electricity. Unlike combined cycle systems, OCGTs do not utilize waste heat for additional power generation, making them simpler but less efficient.

Process Description¤

  1. Air Compression: Ambient air is drawn into the compressor where it is compressed to a high pressure.
  2. Fuel Injection: The compressed air is mixed with fuel (natural gas or other suitable fuels) and injected into the combustion chamber.
  3. Combustion: The fuel-air mixture is combusted at high temperatures, producing high-pressure, high-temperature gases.
  4. Turbine Expansion: The hot gases expand through the turbine, driving it to generate electricity.
  5. Exhaust: After passing through the turbine, the exhaust gases are released into the atmosphere.

Benefits¤

  • Simple Design: Fewer components and systems compared to combined cycle plants, leading to lower capital costs and easier maintenance.
  • Quick Start-Up: Can reach full power output quickly, making OCGTs suitable for peaking power and emergency power applications.
  • Fuel Flexibility: Capable of operating on a variety of fuels, including natural gas, diesel, and synthetic fuels.
  • Scalability: Suitable for small to medium power generation needs, including remote and off-grid applications.

Applications¤

  • Peaking Power Plants: Used to meet peak electricity demand due to their ability to start up quickly.
  • Emergency Power: Provides backup power for critical infrastructure during outages.
  • Remote Power Generation: Ideal for locations without access to a stable power grid.
  • Industrial Power: Supplies power for industrial facilities with fluctuating power needs.

Challenges¤

  • Lower Efficiency: OCGTs have lower thermal efficiency compared to combined cycle gas turbines (CCGTs) because waste heat is not recovered for additional power generation.
  • Higher Emissions: Without waste heat recovery, OCGTs tend to have higher emissions per unit of electricity generated.
  • Fuel Costs: Operating costs can be high due to fuel consumption, especially when using more expensive or less efficient fuels.

Future Outlook¤

Improvements in turbine technology, materials, and fuel efficiency are expected to enhance the performance of OCGTs. As a flexible and reliable power generation option, OCGTs will continue to play a vital role in providing peaking power, emergency power, and support for renewable energy integration. Additionally, the potential integration of cleaner fuels such as hydrogen could further reduce emissions and enhance the sustainability of OCGT systems.

ES Model Parameters¤

All the parameters concerning the OCGT Small are listed in the table below.

entry_key value unit sets source_reference
CO2_A (layer) 0.5238 kt/GWh CAN Lorenczik, Stefan; Keppler, Jan Horst, (2020): "Projected Costs of Generating Electricity 2020 – Analysis"
ELECTRICITY_HV (layer) 1 - CAN Lorenczik, Stefan; Keppler, Jan Horst, (2020): "Projected Costs of Generating Electricity 2020 – Analysis"
NG_HP (layer) -2.5 - CAN Lorenczik, Stefan; Keppler, Jan Horst, (2020): "Projected Costs of Generating Electricity 2020 – Analysis"
c_inv 869 AUD/kW AUS Nello, Nigro, (2021): "Power Station and Associated Costs Benchmark Reserve Capacity Price 2022"
c_inv 1141 USD/kW CAN Lorenczik, Stefan; Keppler, Jan Horst, (2020): "Projected Costs of Generating Electricity 2020 – Analysis"
c_maint 13.6 AUD/kW/y AUS Nello, Nigro, (2021): "Power Station and Associated Costs Benchmark Reserve Capacity Price 2022"
c_maint 22.86 USD/kW/yr CAN Lorenczik, Stefan; Keppler, Jan Horst, (2020): "Projected Costs of Generating Electricity 2020 – Analysis"
ref_size 100 MW CAN Lorenczik, Stefan; Keppler, Jan Horst, (2020): "Projected Costs of Generating Electricity 2020 – Analysis"
ref_size 160 MW AUS Nello, Nigro, (2021): "Power Station and Associated Costs Benchmark Reserve Capacity Price 2022"
trl 9 - CAN Lorenczik, Stefan; Keppler, Jan Horst, (2020): "Projected Costs of Generating Electricity 2020 – Analysis"

References¤

Data Sources
Lorenczik, Stefan; Keppler, Jan Horst. (2020). "Projected Costs of Generating Electricity 2020 – Analysis"
Nello, Nigro. (2021). "Power Station and Associated Costs Benchmark Reserve Capacity Price 2022"