Use of Thermochemical Recuperation in Combustion Turbine Power Systems

Abstract

The performance and practicality of heavy duty combustion turbine power systems incorporating thermochemical recuperation (TCR) of natural gas has been estimated to assess the potential merits of this technology. Process models of TCR combustion turbine power systems based on the Westinghouse 501F combustion turbine were developed to conduct the performance evaluation. Two TCR schemes were assessed — Steam-TCR and Flue Gas-TCR. Compared to conventional combustion turbine power cycles, the TCR power cycles show the potential for significant plant heat rate improvements, but their practicality is an issue. Significant development remains to verify and commercialize TCR for combustion turbine power systems.