Energy-Saving and Economical Evaluations of a Ceramic Gas Turbine Cogeneration Plant

Satoru Okamoto

Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Shimane University, Matsue, Japan.

DOI: 10.4236/ojee.2013.22012                

Abstract

A ceramic gas turbine can save energy because of its high thermal efficiency at high turbine inlet temperatures. This paper deals with the thermodynamic and economic aspects of a ceramic gas turbine cogeneration system. Here cogeneration means the simultaneous production of electrical en-ergy and useful thermal energy from the same facility. The thermodynamic performance of a ceramic gas turbine cycle is assessed using a computer model. This model is used in parametric studies of performance under partial loads and at various inlet air temperatures. The computed performance is compared to the measured performance of a conventional gas turbine cycle. Then, an economic evaluation of a ceramic gas turbine cogeneration system is investigated. Energy savings provided by this system are estimated on the basis of the distributions of heat/power ratios. The computed economic evaluation is compared to the actual economic performance of a conventional system in which boilers produce the required thermal energy and electricity is purchased from a utility.

Keywords

Energy; Exergy; Energy-Saving; Economical Evaluation; Ceramic Gas Turbine; Cogeneration Plant

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

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