Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Determination of Gas Turbine Optimal Part Load Operation from Lifing and Economic Perspectives
by Ebigenibo Genuine Saturday, Stanley, Emmanuel Chisom,and Mtamabari Simeon Torbira

Abstract:
This work presents the determination of gas turbine part load that is economically most viable to engine operators by using MS5001PA gas turbine engine operated at Trans-Amadi Power Station, Port Harcourt as a case study. A model of the existing gas turbine was created to mimic the real engine. Using the properties of the created engine model, the life of the turbine blades at different power levels were estimated using the Larson-Miller parametric method. Considering 20 years period of engine operation, the revenue accruable from the sale of electricity was estimated at different power levels. The different costs of engine operation were also estimated at the different power levels together with the cost of changing blades. The net present value (NPV), payback period (PBP) and discounted payback period (DPP) methods of assessing the economic viability of a project were used to determine power level that is most beneficial in economic terms to the engine operators. The PBP is lowest at 90% power level with 5.18 years; the DPP using 12% interest rate is also lowest at 90% power level with 8.6 years while the NPV is highest ($6.13 Million) at 90% power level using 12% interest rate. The methodologies employed in this could be applied to other existing plants. This work has shown the optimal power level of gas turbine engine operation from the lifing and economic perspectives and the results obtained work could serve as useful guides to engine operators.

Keywords: larson-miller parametric method, net present value, payback period, discounted payback period

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