Faculté Polytechnique

Turbomachinery and power plants

Evaluation

VANDER B EKEN Léo

Under the direction of :

Prof. L.BRICTEUX

School year 2022-2023

Contents
1 Thermodynamics 3
1.1 Compute the dimensionless entropy increase ∆S R
for an adiabatic polytropic com-
pression having a polytropic parameter m. Why is m > γ in the case of a
compression process? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.2 Apply the preceding formula with m = 1.55 for a pressure ratio p2 /p1 = 4, an
inlet temperature T1 = 300 K, γ = 1.4 and R = 287.1 [J/kg/K]. Draw with
Matlab or Python the graph in a (T, S) diagram (see example). Hint: write the
relation between S and T. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.3 Explain why ηpi > ηsi for a compression, is it normal ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.4 Explain why total enthalpy is conserved in a turbine stator. . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.5 Demonstrate that rothalpy is conserved at the rotor of an axial turbomachine. . 6
1.6 Air (R = 287 J/kg/K, γ = 1.4) enters in the axial compressor of an aircraft
engine at 300m/s at a pressure p1 = 50kP a and temperature T1 = 300K. The
velocity at the compressor outlet is c2 ≈ 0 and p2 = 250kP a T2 = 500K.
Compute the energy transmitted to each kg of fluid passing trough this machine. 7

2 Turbopumps and circuits 8

2.1 Draw a sketch of this setup and a the typical curves associated to its working
principle, explain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.2 Provide the mechanical energy balance for the pump and the circuit, represent
the working point in an appropriate diagram. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.3 Draw the same diagram with two reservoirs such that p2 > p1 , compare reservoir
height and pressurization effects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.4 In which situation do you obtain a negative static height and what is the conse-
quence of that ? Obtain the analytical form of the natural flow rate. . . . . . . . 11
2.5 Explain the influence of closing the valve progressively, draw the curves. . . . . . 11
2.6 Explain what is the surge phenomenon for an axial compressor inserted in a gas
compression circuit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3 Turbines 13
3.1 Draw (p, v) and (T, S) diagrams of an expansion between state 1 and 2. Draw
isobaric, isentropic and real curves. Show also with a mathematical development
how to represent graphically friction losses Wf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.2 Show that isobaric curves are exponential in a (T, S) diagram. . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.3 Compute the work provided by an isentropic expansion as a function of the
pressure ratio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.4 Define and explain using Euler theorem and (h, S) diagram what is the degree
of reaction of a turbine stage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.5 Sketch a 2D cut of a typical 50% reaction stage blading with the associated
velocity triangles, using Euler theorem, represent how the work is computed
from the velocity triangle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.6 Find image from the web or in the literature of High pressure gas turbine blades
and discuss the associated cooling scheme and its relevance. . . . . . . . . . . . 17

4 Gas turbines and combined cycles 18

4.1 Describe and explain using an appropriate sketch the working principle of a
power production gas turbine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

1
 4.2 Draw the associated thermodynamic cycle in an enthalpy-entropy (h, S) diagram,
explain the hypothesis on the transformations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.3 Explain with a physical reasoning and numbers why a gas turbine compressor
includes more stages compared to the turbine that has the same pressure ratio. . 19
4.4 What are the two key performance parameters of a gas turbine? Show mathemat-
ically the influence of these parameters on the cycle efficiency, draw appropriate
graphs. Explain their influence and provide some relevant order of magnitudes. . 20
4.5 Explain using an appropriate sketch how to build a combined cycle with a gas
turbine and a classical Rankine steam cycle. Obtain mathematically the effi-
ciency of a combined cycle. What is the benefit of this, discuss ? . . . . . . . . . 22
4.6 Find data on the web or in the literature for a real combined cycle, discuss rele-
vant numbers and equipments (power, pressures, condenser, gas turbine, steam
turbine, efficiencies... ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

5 Bibliography 24

2
1 Thermodynamics
1.1 Compute the dimensionless entropy increase ∆S R for an adiabatic
polytropic compression having a polytropic parameter m. Why
is m > γ in the case of a compression process?
The following equation comes from the second principle of thermodynamics. It express the
energy conservation during a transformation.

T dS = dU + pdv = dH − vdp (1)

It also exists another expression that allows to calculate the irreversibility of transformations
called Jouguet equality :

T dS = δQ + δWf (2)
Then, it’s possible to transform these equality thanks to two parameters φ and ψ expressing
the increase of δ(Q) + δ(Wf ) depending of the increase of the internal energy or of the enthalpy.

δ (Q + Wf ) = T dS = φT dS + (1 − φ)T dS = dU + pdv
(3)
δ (Q + Wf ) = T dS = ψT dS + (1 − ψ)T dS = dH − vdp
And so,

dU = φT dS
dH = ψT dS
(4)
pdv = (1 − φ)T dS
−vdp = (1 − ψ)T dS
Then, a new parameter can be introduce, γ equal to the rapport ψφ .
A polytropic transformation is a transformation which keeps the parameters φ and ψ con-
stant during all the process. So a constant "m" can be defined :
−vdp 1−ψ
= ≜m (5)
pdv 1−φ
To keep cp and cv constant, it is necessary to integrate the previous equation on a small
range of temperatures :
  m−1  m−1
p2 m v1 T2
= = (6)
p1 v2 T1
From that, the polytropic mass heat c can be defined :

T dS = cv dT + pdv = cp dT − vdp = cdT (7)

So, from the equations (4) and (7), the following equations are easy to find :

(c − cp ) dT = −vdp = (1 − ψ)T dS
(8)
(c − cv ) dT = pdv = (1 − ϕ)T dS
And by using the equations found above, the masse heat can be defined by :

cp (m − γ)
c= (9)
γ(m − 1)

3
 Moreover, cp is equal to :
γR
cp = (10)
γ−1
Then, the infinitesimal raise of the entropy dS can be integrated between two states to find
∆S with the hypothesis of an adiabatic transformation and using a perfect gas as fluid :
Z 2 Z 2    
dh − vdp T2 p2
∆S = dS = = cp log − R log (11)
1 1 T T1 p1
And with the equation (9) and (10), the previous equation is transformed in :
   
γR m − 1 p2 p2
∆S = log − R log (12)
γ−1 m p1 p1

After simplification, the final equation is :

  m−1
∆S (m − γ) p2 m
= ln (13)
R (γ − 1)(m − 1) p1
Furthermore, the new equation of c (9) can be used in the Jouget equation (2) :
Z 2 Z 2
cp m − γ
Q + Wf = T dS = cdT = c (T2 − T1 ) = (T2 − T1 ) (14)
1 1 γ m−1
Seeing that the transformation is adiabatic, Q = 0. Moreover it is kown that Wf > 0 and
for a compression T1 < T2 . So, the previous equation is correct only if the rule m > γ > 1 is
verified

1.2 Apply the preceding formula with m = 1.55 for a pressure ratio
p2 /p1 = 4, an inlet temperature T1 = 300 K, γ = 1.4 and R = 287.1
[J/kg/K]. Draw with Matlab or Python the graph in a (T, S)
diagram (see example). Hint: write the relation between S and
T.
By using the equation (13) with the parameters given, ∆S is equal to :

(1.55 − 1.4) 1.55−1

∆S = 287.1 · ln 4 1.55 = 219.8[J/K] (15)
(1.4 − 1)(1.55 − 1)
Then, to draw the (T, S) diagram, T2 is missing. It can be calculated by using the equation
(6) :
  m−1
T2 p2 m
= (16)
T1 p1
So,
1.55−1
T2 = 300 ∗ 4 1.55 = 490.63K (17)
Here is the diagram (T,S) of this compression :

4
 Figure 1: (T, S) diagram

1.3 Explain why ηpi > ηsi for a compression, is it normal ?

By using ..., it is easy to find the losses Wf of the transformation by looking at the area between
ideal and real lines compression. With the hypothesis of a polytropic compression,
 
γ m
Wf = c (T2 − T1 ) = R (T2 − T1 ) − = 37315.823[ J/kg] (18)
γ−1 m−1
Moreover, always in the case of a polytropic compression, the polytropic efficiency ηpi is
given by :
Wu m γ−1
ηpi = = = 0.8052 = 80.52% (19)
Wm m−1 γ
where Wu is the useful work and Wm is the motor work
And for a isotropic compression also called reversible and adiabatic compression is given by
R 2s
Wms vdp
ηsi = = R2 1 (20)
Wm vdp + Wf
1
where Wms is the work for the isotropic compression and Ws is the work of the polytropic
compression.

Actually, to prove that ηpi > ηsi , it is just necessary to prove that Wu > Wms because the
both efficiency have the same denominator. These terms can be defined as :
Z 2
Wu = Wm − Wf = vdp
Z 2s 1
(21)
Wms = vdp
1

By looking at the previous graph, one can see that

Z 2s Z 2
vdp < vdp (22)
1 1

Leading to the conclusion wanted,

Wu > Wms
(23)
ηpi > ηsi

5
1.4 Explain why total enthalpy is conserved in a turbine stator.
Firstly, the enthalpy is defined thanks to the first principle of thermodynamics :
Z 2
∆H = Q + vdp + Wf (24)
1

Moreover, the mechanical work is defined as follows :

Z 2
Wm = − vdp − g∆z − ∆K − Wf (25)
1
This one is equal to zero because the stator of a turbine is immobile as its name says it.
Then, a few hypothesis can be made. Firstly, the turbine is a horizontal one, so ∆z = 0.
Secondly, the process is supposed adiabatic (Q = 0). This hypothesis can be done because big
flows are often used in this type of machine, so the fluid doesn’t stay long enough to allow a
transfer meat.
Then,
Z 2
Wf = − vdp − ∆K (26)
1
Z 2 Z 2
∆H = vdp − vdp − ∆K
1 1 (27)
⇔ ∆H + ∆K = 0

Finally, the equation (27) can be rewritten as

c21 c2
h1 + = h2 + 2 (28)
2 2

1.5 Demonstrate that rothalpy is conserved at the rotor of an axial

turbomachine.
In an axial turbomachine, the work is defined as follows :

W = Q − ∆h − ∆k − g∆z
c2 − c22 (29)
= Q − ∆h − 1 − g∆z
2
Moreover by using the Euler’s theorem, the work is equal to :

w22 − w12 u21 − u22 c21 − c22

W = + + (30)
2 2 2
Some hypothesis can be made :

• horizontal turbomachine : ∆z = 0

• adiabatic transformation : Q = 0

• axial turbomachine so R1 = R2 . So, u1 = u2

6
 Finally, with the previous equation, it is possible to find :

c21 − c22 c2 − c22 w22 − w12

h1 − h2 + = 1 +
2 2 2 (31)
w12 w22
h1 + = h2 +
2 2
To conclude, the rothalpy at the rotor of an axial turbomachine is well conserved

1.6 Air (R = 287 J/kg/K, γ = 1.4) enters in the axial compressor

of an aircraft engine at 300m/s at a pressure p1 = 50kP a and
temperature T1 = 300K. The velocity at the compressor outlet
is c2 ≈ 0 and p2 = 250kP a T2 = 500K. Compute the energy
transmitted to each kg of fluid passing trough this machine.
The energy wanted is the useful work. This one can be calculated as follows :
Z 2
Wu = Wm − Wf = vdp
1
  m−1 ! (32)
m p2 m
= RT1 −1
m−1 p1
The problem is that ”m” is unknown. To fix that, one have to use the equation (16). So,
m is equal to :
  m−1
500 250000 m
=
300 50000
(33)
 
500 250000 m − 1
ln = ln
300 50000 m
⇒ m = 1.465
From that and by using the equation (32),
  1.465−1 !
1.465 250000 1.465
Wu = · 287 · 300 −1 = 180849.83768[ J/kg] (34)
1.465 − 1 50000

7
2 Turbopumps and circuits
One considers a simple hydraulic circuit with one pump followed by a valve located at an height
z = 0 and two reservoirs R1 (aspiration) and R2 (discharge) respectively at pressure p1 and p2
and located at z1 and z2 .

2.1 Draw a sketch of this setup and a the typical curves associated
to its working principle, explain.

Figure 2: Sketch of the setup

The receiving machine used in this circuit is a pump and more specially a turbopump which
means it doesn’t change the volume of the fluid flowing through it. So, the function of this
machine is to increase the pressure of a fluid and/or to set it in motion. In other words, it gives
energy to the fluid. The hydraulic setup studied here is composed of two tanks with one higher
than the other and of a valve which control the flow rate through the circuit. The objective
is to move a fluid from the lowest tank to the highest one. For that, the pump must provide
enough energy to create a force bigger than gravity. This energy is represented under 3 forms
(pressure potential, level potential and kinetic). Here is the formula of this energy :
p2 − p1
Wc = + g (z2 − z1 ) + K V̇ 2 (35)
ρ
Where the first term on the right of the equality referred to the pressure potential, the
second one to the level potential and the last one to the kinetic energy. The two first term form
a static term that can be rewritten as a static height :
p2 − p1
Hst = + (z2 − z1 ) [m] (36)
ρg
Moreover the useful work supplied by the pump to the unit mass of fluid between its inlet
and outlet is given by :

pS − pE c2S − c2E
Wu = + + g (zS − zE ) [J/kg] (37)
ρ 2

8
 Figure 3: Curves of a turbopump

2.2 Provide the mechanical energy balance for the pump and the
circuit, represent the working point in an appropriate diagram.
Firstly, one must use the principle of mechanical energy, defined as follows :
Z 2
dp p2 − p 1
Wm = + ∆k + g∆z + Wf ≈ + ∆k + g∆z + Wf (38)
1 ρ ρ
So, for the section between the surface of the fluid and the inlet of the valve, it is defined
by :

p1 pE c2
+ gz1 = + gzE + E + Wf 1E (39)
ρ ρ 2
and for the section between the surface of the fluid and the outlet of the compressor :

pO c2O p2
+ gzO + = + gz2 + Wf S2 (40)
ρ 2 ρ
Then, the two equations can be combined to form the following equation :
pS − pE c2S − c2E p2 − p1
+ + g (zS − zE ) = + g (z2 − z1 ) + Wf 1E + Wf S2 (41)
ρ 2 ρ
where Wf 1E and Wf S2 represent the losses between both tanks. So, the following equality can
be assumed :
K V̇ 2 ≈ Wf 1E + Wf S2 (42)
The finally equation is thus :

p O − pE c2 − c2E p2 − p 1
+ g (zO − zE ) + O = + g (z2 − z1 ) + K V̇ 2 (43)
ρ 2 ρ
where
pO − pE c2 − c2E p2 − p1
+ g (zO − zE ) + O = Wu + g (z2 − z1 ) + K V̇ 2 = Wc (44)
ρ 2 ρ
With
• Wu the characteristic of the pump

9
 • Wc the characteristic of the circuit

The equality (43) represents the operating point of the machine being the intersection of
the following curves. This point gives the flow rate and the work needed to make this hydraulic
system.

Figure 4: Operating point of the system

2.3 Draw the same diagram with two reservoirs such that p2 > p1 ,
compare reservoir height and pressurization effects.
Until now, the pressures in both tanks had been equal. Now, the pressure of the highest tank
will be higher than the pressure of the lowest one : p1 < p2 . Thenceforth, Hst , the static term
of Wc will increase resulting to a vertical translation of the curve of Wc The same thing occurs
for the height of the tanks. Indeed, according to the equation (36), the bigger the differences
p2 − p1 and z2 − z1 are, the higher Hst will be. Here is a curve with p2 > p1 :

Figure 5: Operating point of the system with p2 > p1

10
2.4 In which situation do you obtain a negative static height and
what is the consequence of that ? Obtain the analytical form of
the natural flow rate.
As a reminder,
p2 − p1
Hst = + (z2 − z1 ) (45)
ρg
In this case, this equation will be negative :
p2 − p1
Hst = + (z2 − z1 ) < 0 (46)
ρg
Hst can only be negative if p1 > p2 or/and z1 > z2 . It means that the fluid goes in
its natural direction, this which the pump imposes. So, to move the fluid, a lowest work is
required, increasing the pump’s rate flow. Thenceforth, seeing that Hst < 0, the characteristic
curve of the circuit will be translated downwards.

Figure 6: Operating point of the system with p1 > p2 and z1 > z2

2.5 Explain the influence of closing the valve progressively, draw the
curves.
Valves allow to control the quantity of the fluid flows through it. So, it allows to choose
the pressure or the flow rate depending of the closing state of the valve. Indeed, by closing
progressively the valve, the passage section will slowly reduces as well as the flow rate. Moreover,
by closing the valve, it creates singular losses, increasing the coefficient characteristic "K" of
the losses.

11
 Figure 7: Effects of closing progressively the valve

It is easy to see that Hst doesn’t change when "K" increases because it doesn’t depend on
it. However, Wc depends on a quadratic term using "K" : K V̇ 2 . So the curve corresponding
to Wc will change with the coefficient.

2.6 Explain what is the surge phenomenon for an axial compressor

inserted in a gas compression circuit.
In a compressor, the gas is flowing from the lowest pressure to the highest. However, there is
a phenomenon called surge that happens if the flow is too low. So, the pressure at the inlet is
higher than at the outlet, causing a back flow of the gas. A surge occurs periodically (from 1
to 2 Hz) causing the system to become unstable.

12
3 Turbines
3.1 Draw (p, v) and (T, S) diagrams of an expansion between state
1 and 2. Draw isobaric, isentropic and real curves. Show also
with a mathematical development how to represent graphically
friction losses Wf .
Firstly, some hypothesis can be made. Indeed, the turbine is considered horizontal (z1 = z2 ).
Then the flow is constant and the fluid is incompressible which means that the kinetic energy
variation "∆K" is equal to zero. To finish, the flow is high enough to prevent the heat transfer
with the exterior (Q = 0)
Here is the (p,v) and (T,S) diagrams following the previous hypothesis :

Figure 8: (p, v) diagram of an expansion

Figure 9: (T, S) diagram of an expansion

13
 It is possible to calculate the friction losses, starting from the expression of the mechanical
work :

Wm = Q − ∆h − ∆K − g∆z (47)
And if the hypothesis made previously is respected, the equation become :
Z 2 Z 2 Z 2
Wm = −∆H = − vdp − T ds = − vdp − Wf (48)
1 1 1
Where : Z 2
Wf = T ′ ds (49)
1

Wf is represented on the (T,S) graph by the area, between 1 and 2, below the curve.

3.2 Show that isobaric curves are exponential in a (T, S) diagram.

To show that isobaric curves are exponential, one can start with the definition of the variation
of the entropy :
Z 2 Z 2
dh − vdp
∆S = dS = (50)
1 1 T
But, an isobaric transformation means that the pressure is constant during all the transfor-
mation, so vdp = 0 :
Z 2 Z 2 
dT
dS = cp
T
1 1 (51)
T2
S1 − S2 = cp ln
T1
And so, finally, by isolating T2 :
 
S2 − S1
T2 = T1 exp (52)
cp

3.3 Compute the work provided by an isentropic expansion as a func-

tion of the pressure ratio.
With the same hypothesis as in the section 3.1, the mechanical work for a power producing
machine is defined by :

Wm = −∆H (53)
where ∆H can be write as follow, if a new hypothesis is made : the specific heat is constant.
So :
∆H = cp (T2′ − T1′ ) (54)
and, by rearranging the terms of the expression :
cp T1
∆H = p1 v1 ( − 1) (55)
R T2
Moreover, given the hypothesis made earlier, the transformation follows the next expression
:

14
 p1 v1γ = constant (56)
So,
  γ−1
p2 γ T2s
= = xγ (57)
p1 T1
Where the specific heat capacity is defined by :
γ
cp = R (58)
γ−1
Given the following expression :
  γ−1 !
γ p2 γ
Wm = −∆H = p1 v1 1− (59)
γ−1 p1

3.4 Define and explain using Euler theorem and (h, S) diagram what
is the degree of reaction of a turbine stage.
The degree of a reaction R is a term which allows to defined two kinds of turbines. Firstly,
there are the action turbines characterised by a zero degree of reaction (R = 0). It means that
the pressure at the inlet is equal to the outlet pressure. Then the are the reaction turbines with
a degree of reaction R > 0. In this case, contrary to the first one, there si here a difference of
pressure between the inlet and the outlet. This degree of reaction is defined as a ration of the
reaction work Wmr and the total work Wm which is equal to the sum of Wmr and the action
work Wma .
Wmr Wmr
R= = (60)
Wm Wmr + Wma
Notes :
• Wma represents the decrease of the absolute kinetic energy (in the turbine)
• Wmr represents the increase of relative kinetic energy (in the turbine)
Then, thanks to the Euler theorem, it is possible to express these different works :

w22 − w12 u21 − u22 c21 − c22

Wm = + +
2 2 2
2 2 2 2
w − w1 u2 − u1
Wmr = 2 − (61)
2 2
c2 − c22
Wma = 1
2
On the previous graph, R = 0.5. At the rotor, the enthalpy variation is related to the
relative velocity variation of the fluid :
w22 − w12
= H1 − H2 = ∆H ′′ (62)
2
And for the stator, the enthalpy variation is linked to the absolute velocity variation of the
fluid :
c21 − c20 c2 − c22
= 1 = H0 − H1 = ∆H ′ (63)
2 2

15
 Figure 10: (h, S) diagram of an expansion with R = 0.5

Therefore R can be rewritten as

∆H ′′ ∆H ′′
R= = (64)
∆H ′′ + ∆H ′ ∆H

3.5 Sketch a 2D cut of a typical 50% reaction stage blading with the
associated velocity triangles, using Euler theorem, represent how
the work is computed from the velocity triangle.
In a turbine, there is production of a work in the stator and in the rotor and the machine work
is the sum of these two contributions. As seen previously, Wmr = ∆H ′ and Wma = ∆H ′′ =.
Moreover, in this case, R = 0.5, so Wma = Wmr = 0.5Wm . Thus :

Wmr = ∆H ′ = ∆H ′′ = Wma (65)

In the velocity triangles, there are the tangential components :

c21 − c22 ∆c21t

∆H ′ = =
2 2 (66)
2
∆w
∆H ′′ = l
2
So, by the definition of the motor work :

c21t
′
Wm = ∆H + ∆H = 2∆H = 2′′ ′
= c21t (67)
2
And by applying the Euler’s theorem and by supposing that c2t = 0,

Wm = u (c1t + c2t ) = uc1t (68)

And thus, by using the equation (67) and (68),

c1t = u (69)

16
 Figure 11: 2D cut of a 50 % reaction stage blading

3.6 Find image from the web or in the literature of High pressure gas
turbine blades and discuss the associated cooling scheme and its
relevance.
A high pressure gas turbine works at very high temperature and so it is necessary to cool it
to avoid reaching the melting temperature of the blades. For that, the blades are equipped of
two cooling systems : the internal and external cooling. The first one cools the inside of the
blade. On the following figure, there is an intern airflow which is circulates inside the blades
thanks to cavities. Hence, the inside of the blades is cooled. In the same time, on the way of
the airflow, there are little holes which allow the air passing to create a protective layer for the
blade. Hence the temperature of the blade is reduce up to 200°C. This is the external cooling.
It is important to have a cooling system to extend the life time of the turbines and to improve
the efficiency of the system but it is also important to pay attention that it doesn’t affect the
performances of the turbines.

17
 Figure 12: Cooling system of a blade

4 Gas turbines and combined cycles

4.1 Describe and explain using an appropriate sketch the working
principle of a power production gas turbine.

Figure 13: Sketch of a power production gas turbine

The working principle of a power production gas turbine is quiet simple. Firstly, air enters
in the compressor at the atmospheric pressure. Then, in the compressor, its pressure increases
to about 3 MPa. This high-pressure air is then injected into a combustion chamber where it is
mixed with a fuel. Afterwards, the mix is burned so the air temperature increases dramatically.
It is sent next in the turbine where it is expanded to reach the atmospheric pressure and being
released back into nature as a combustible gas.

18
 Figure 14: (h, S) diagram of a gas turbine cycle

4.2 Draw the associated thermodynamic cycle in an enthalpy-entropy

(h, S) diagram, explain the hypothesis on the transformations.
To have a power producing system, it is necessary that the work created by the turbine is
greater than the work used by the compressor. In other words, the enthalpy variation must be
more important in the turbine than in the compressor. Moreover, there are some hypothesis
to do to have an ideal power production gas turbine. Firstly the compressor and the turbine
are ideal (without losses). Secondly the combustion chamber is isobaric meaning that the
pressure doesn’t change in this part of the cycle. Hence, the work provided by the compressor
is expressed as :
Wmc = h2 − h1 (70)
Then, the calorific contribution in the combustion chamber is :

Q = h3 − h2 = cp (T3 − T2 ) (71)

And the work created by the turbine is given by :

Wmt = h3 − h4 (72)

Thanks to the previous equation, it is possible to compute the net work produced by the
system :

Wm = Wmt − Wmc = (h3 − h4 ) − (h2 − h1 ) (73)

4.3 Explain with a physical reasoning and numbers why a gas turbine
compressor includes more stages compared to the turbine that has
the same pressure ratio.
Firstly, the pressure ratio is defined as follows
p2 p3
r= (compressor) = (turbine) (74)
p1 p4

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 In a compressor the air pressure increases form the atmospheric pressure (p1 ) to a high
pressure (p2 ). It’s is not a natural transformation, so the air "wants" to come back to its
normal state leading to a need of energy. However in a turbine the air pressure decreases form
the high pressure (p2 = p3 ) to the atmospheric pressure (the initial one : p1 = p4 ). Following the
laws of fluid mechanic, to increase a pressure of a fluid, its velocity must decreases accordingly
and so the flow of the fluid too. But the pressure rise should not be important otherwise a
stalling of the boundary layer can appears leading to a loss of compression efficiency. So to
avoid this problem, the pressure changes between stages must be the least abrupt, hence the
need for more stages in the compressor.

4.4 What are the two key performance parameters of a gas turbine?
Show mathematically the influence of these parameters on the
cycle efficiency, draw appropriate graphs. Explain their influence
and provide some relevant order of magnitudes.
It is possible to defined the thermal efficiency thanks to the equations (71) and (73) :

Wm (h3 − h4 ) − (h2 − h1 ) (T3 − T4 ) − (T2 − T1 )

ηt = = = (75)
Q (h3 − h2 ) (T3 − T2 )

Figure 15: ηt depending on pressure ratio

Then it is interesting to introduce a new parameter, one of the two key parameters : the
temperature ration ”x” which is the same at the compressor and at the turbine. This one is
defined by
T2 T3 γ−1
x= = =r γ (76)
T1 T4
where ”r” is the pressure ratio seen previously (r = p2
p1
= p3
p4
)
Therefore the thermal efficiency becomes :
T1 1 1
ηth = 1 − = 1 − = 1 − γ−1 (77)
T2 x r γ

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 The second key parameter ”y” can also be introduce. It is the ratio of the turbine inlet
temperature (T3 ) and the compressor inlet temperature (T1 ) :
T3
y= (78)
T1
Thanks to the two key parameters ”x” and ”y”, it is possible to re-writte the motor work :
1
Wm = cp T1 (y(1 − ) − (x − 1)) (79)
x
And there is also the working coefficient of a gas turbine τ :

Wm (x − 1)(y − x)
τ= = (80)
cp T1 x
Example :

• T1 = 300 K

• T3 = 1500 K

• T4 = 500 K

The temperature is thus :

T3
x= =3 (81)
T4
And so, the thermal efficiency is equal to
1
ηt = 1 − = 0.66 (82)
3
And
T3 1500
y= = =5 (83)
T1 300
(3 − 1)(5 − 3)
τ= = 1.3333 (84)
3

Figure 16: τ with different y values

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4.5 Explain using an appropriate sketch how to build a combined
cycle with a gas turbine and a classical Rankine steam cycle.
Obtain mathematically the efficiency of a combined cycle. What
is the benefit of this, discuss ?

Figure 17: Combined cycle

Until now, the gas turbine was used alone but it is possible to combine it with another system
to improve the efficiency of the combined system. For example, in this case, it is interesting to
re-use the hot gases rejected by the turbine as a heat source for a Rankine cycle. Hence, there
isn’t wasted energy or at least less than with the gas turbine alone. Thus, the overall efficiency
is defined by

ηT GV = ηT G + (1 − ηT G ) · ηR · ηT V (85)
where

• ηT G = efficiency of the gas turbine cycle

• ηT V = efficiency of the Rankine cycle

• ηR = efficiency of the exchanger between the 2 cycles

Example :

If

• ηT G =0.6

• ηT V = 0.5

• ηR = 0.8

The overall efficiency will be equal to :

ηT GV = 0.6 + (1 − 0.6) · 0.8 · 0.5 = 0.76 = 76% (86)

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 Which is better than the separated efficiencies.
Notes :

The Rankine cycle is using steam to produce electricity. Indeed, the hot gases from the gas
turbine cycle heat water into a boiler, thanks to an heat exchanger. So the water is transformed
into steam. This one goes in a second turbine to produce electricity. Finally, steam is sent in
a condenser where it becomes water again before to be re-use in the cycle.

4.6 Find data on the web or in the literature for a real combined cy-
cle, discuss relevant numbers and equipments (power, pressures,
condenser, gas turbine, steam turbine, efficiencies... )
There will be a new combiened power plant at Vilvorde in 2025. Actually, there is already a
power plant but it is too old so it must be replaced by a new one. This new combiened power
plant will able to produce 875 MW with an efficiency of about 63 %, one of the best in the
world. In mean, it will consume on average 14% less gas per kWh and will therefore also emit
14% less CO2 than current plants.

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5 Bibliography
• Centrale à gaz Vilvorde. (s. d.). ENGIE. https://corporate.engie.be/fr/energy/gaz/centrale-
gaz-vilvorde

• Naimul Hasan. Optimization of CCGT power plant and performance analysis using MAT-
LAB/Simulink with actual operational data

• Open Cycle Gas Turbines. (s. d.). Ipieca. https://www.ipieca.org/resources/energy-

efficiency-solutions/power-and-heat-generation/open-cycle-gas-turbines/

• PROF. Laurent Bricteux.Machines à fluides et Machines thermiques : fondements.Faculté

Polytechnique de Mons.

• Rémy Fransen. LES based aerothermal modeling of turbine blade cooling systems

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