On the Thermodynamic Cycles of Gas Turbine Power Plants

Abstract

This paper proposes new appropriate thermodynamic analysis for gas turbine cycles used for power plants rather than that commonly known from the traditional thermodynamic methods. The present analysis is based on using two important design criteria known as the pressure ratio and the temperature ratio. These two criteria are employed to indicate the characteristics of the thermal efficiency and the non-dimensional work. Characteristic charts are established as a function of these two criteria to illustrate the cycles theoretical performance. Appropriate effects of the cycles' regeneration, intercooling and reheat are also discussed. The obtained charts can be used to indicate possible improvement in the thermodynamics of the gas turbine cycles.