Beyond Brayton Cycle: It is Time to Change the Paradigm

Abstract

A detailed look at the gas turbine (GT) technology over the last three decades clearly shows that an asymptotic limit is reached in thermal efficiency in combined cycle (CC) configuration. There is little reason to expect a technology leap anytime soon to change this appreciably as long as the industry sticks to the classic Brayton cycle configuration and the brute force approach of ever higher turbine inlet temperatures (TITs). The changing landscape of electric power generation, especially integration of fossil fuel fired technologies with renewable generation and wide variation in natural gas prices, suggests that it is time to look at the direction of future development efforts differently. This paper looks at the need of a paradigm shift in GT CC technology using thermodynamic and economic arguments.