Gas Turbine Cogeneration—Principles and Practice

Abstract

During the decade of the 1960s, industrial users recognized the gas turbine as a reliable prime mover for base load process applications. Gas turbine cogeneration systems were installed in various industries, including chemical, petroleum refining, pulp and paper, and metals. Typically, the size of the cogeneration system considered, and thus the gas turbine size, was governed by the internal heat and power demands of the specific plant. More recently, worldwide concern with regard to the cost and efficient use of energy is providing continuing opportunities for gas turbine cogeneration systems. In some locations, legislation is being enacted to encourage the development of cogeneration to the benefit of the public. This legislation can increase the number of alternative methods in which a cogeneration system can be developed. This paper will briefly review cogeneration principles applicable to the development of gas turbine energy supply systems. The wide range of conditions that can be satisfied using gas turbine cogeneration systems will be introduced. Brief discussions of recent installations are presented, illustrating the actual applications of some of these concepts.