Abstract |
Performance, size and cost for advanced simple-, regenerative-, and compound-cycle gas turbine engines were reviewed. For various regions of the U.S., comparisons were made of installed costs and total busbar power costs of a 1000-MW power station using gas turbines versus one using steam turbines. It is shown that the gas turbines in the 1970 decade could produce electric power at lower costs than steam turbines in the South Central U.S. where natural gas is readily available. Elsewhere in the U.S. the gas turbines would be economically competitive if moderately priced clean fuels were available. Advanced gas turbines are expected to become more competitive in the 1980's as anticipated increases in turbine inlet temperature, component efficiencies and larger engine designs lead to more efficient and lower cost engines. Although the development costs for large, advanced gas turbines would approach 100 to 200 million dollars, the total amount that utilities are expected to expend for cooling devices to combat thermal pollution over the next two decades is more than ten times this amount. (Author) |