Thermodynamic performance analysis of a combined cycle thermal power plant

Electrical energy is in an indispensable position in today's world. With the world developing in every sense, the demand for energy is constantly increasing. In order to meet this demand, there are many electricity generation methods worldwide and the sector is constantly developing with new production methods. Combined cycle power plants, which have an important place among these electricity generation methods, have advantages in terms of both electricity generation and waste heat recovery, efficiency and environmental aspects. Natural gas, coal, oil, etc. are preferred as fuel in combined cycle power plants, which are in the sector with their high power generation and flexible operation. Combined cycle power plants are designed by applying thermodynamic analysis and thermodynamics is frequently utilized in operation. Exergy analysis, which refers to the second law of thermodynamics, is also the preferred analysis tool. Exergy analysis can be used to calculate many quantities such as the losses in the power plant and how much of the losses will be improved. In this way, focal points can be identified in the planning of efficiency improvement efforts. The power plant considered in this study is a natural gas-fired combined cycle power plant with an installed capacity of 1408.9 MW serving in the South Marmara region of Türkiye. Exergy analysis were performed using the operating data of the power plant. By analyzing the flow charts for each unit, mass, energy and exergy balances were created, exergy losses and exergy efficiency were calculated.