DefinePK

Abstract

Combined cycle power plants are considered efficient for power generation and their higher thermal performance is of importance to reduce emissions. Energy audits are typically conducted as one-time estimates in developing regions, which don't provide useful information. Power plants in these areas also lack any specific energy management practices. This study involved conducting an energy audit of a combined cycle power plant and comparing the real data with results from an Aspen HYSYS model. The steam turbine's computed efficiency was found to be 30.4%, which is 27.61% less than its specified efficiency. A potential energy saving of 8–9% is predicted if variable speed water pumps are used to boost the efficiency of steam turbines by 5%. In the case of combined cycle operation, the combustion efficiency of the gas turbine is crucial for greater steam generation through the heat recovery in addition to increased turbine power output.