Thermodynamic optimization of a triple-shaft open intercooled, recuperated gas turbine cycle. Part 2: power and efficiency optimization

The power and the efficiency of a triple-shaft open intercooled, recuperated gas turbine cycle are analyzed and optimized based on the model established using thermodynamic optimization theory in Part 1 of this paper by adjusting the low-pressure compressor inlet relative pressure drop, the mass flow rate and the distribution of pressure losses along the flow path. First, the power output is optimized by adjusting the intercooling pressure ratio, the air mass flow rate or the distribution of pressure losses along the flow path. Second, the thermodynamic first-law efficiency is optimized subject to a fixed fuel flow rate and a fixed overall size by seeking the optimal intercooling pressure ratio, the compressor inlet pressure drop and optimal flow area allocation ratio between the low-pressure compressor inlet and the power turbine outlet. The numerical examples show that increase in effectiveness of intercooler increases power output and its corresponding efficiency and increase in effectiveness of recuperator decreases power output appreciably but increases its corresponding efficiency; there exist an optimal low-pressure compressor inlet relative pressure drop and an optimal intercooling pressure ratio, which lead to a maximum power. For a fixed fuel mass rate and a fixed overall area of low-pressure compressor inlet and power turbine outlet, maximum thermodynamic first-law efficiency is obtained by optimizing low-pressure compressor inlet relative pressure drop and intercooling pressure ratio. The double-maximum thermodynamic first-law efficiency is obtained by searching optimal flow area allocation between low-pressure compressor inlet and power turbine outlet.