Solar Hybrid Combined Cycle Performance Prediction: Influence of GT Model and Spool Arrangement

This article investigates the influence of GT Model and Spool Arrangement on solar hybrid combined cycle (CC) performance. To investigate the way the GT interacts with the solar system, two commercial codes were used. A “user-defined” GT model was first developed on the basis of design conditions performance, then carefully calibrated against manufacturer data to accurately predict its off-design behavior depending on load and ambient temperature conditions. To assess the influence of GT model and spool arrangement on the solarized CC performance, the following GTs were selected: the single-shaft Siemens SGT800 and two two-shaft engines: the heavy-duty GT Siemens SGT750 and the aeroderivative GE LM6000. It was observed that the single-spool SGT-800 assures the lowest power penalty. The SGT-750 appeared to provide the highest fuel saving in the middle of the day, both in winter and summer, and the highest solar fraction as well.