Thermal Cycle Analysis and Component Aerodesign for Gas Turbine Concept in Low-Range Cogenerating Systems

The authors link together their previous experiences in gas turbine plant analysis and aerodynamic design of radial flow compressors. In recent papers they have introduced a method for the performance estimation of gas turbine engines, based on the prediction of the matching conditions among the several components in the whole operating range. On the other hand they have expressly paid attention to the problem of optimal design of radial flow compressors for satisfactory operation within an assigned operating range. In this paper, the authors present an integrated method, which aims to define the optimal characteristics of a low-power gas turbine engine (i.e., in the range 500–2000 kW). In this case, the radial compressor performance plays an important role as regards gas turbine operation for both power generation and cogeneration applications. The analysis proceeds with the optimization of rotating components (i.e., radial compressor and axial flow turbine) for given thermal cycle parameters. The prescribed objectives of the optimizing procedure are related to performance levels not only at the reference design conditions but also throughout the operating field. A particular emphasis is given to the extension of the field of satisfactory performance for cogeneration applications, with best fitting of mechanical and thermal power requirements. The aerodynamic design of radial flow compressor utilizes a method based on genetic algorithms.