Gas turbine based power cycles - A state-of-the-art review

Gas turbines have been used in wide ranging applications since their world's first use in aviation and power generation in the jet engine powered flight of Heinkel aircraft (model He-178) and Brown Boveri & Cie's (BBC) 4 MW power generation plant in Neuchatel, Switzerland, respectively during 1939. This paper provides the historical evolution of the gas turbine (GT) based power cycles. A detailed parametric thermodynamic cycle analysis is presented for various GT cycles (mostly, which have been implemented). In addition, a comparative performance evaluation of various cycles is presented clearly showing ranges within which a particular arrangement can be beneficial. The simulation results are compared with the performance of existing machines with similar design conditions. A discussion is presented to show limitations and advantages of each GT cycle and the associated technological advancements made. To complete the review, modified Brayton cycles under development by the gas turbine manufacturers, researchers, etc. have also been identified.