The solar gas turbine for pump and electric generator drive

A turbine plant, using solar energy as a heat source, has been studied. The facility is used as a pump drive or electric-power generator. It is suitable for use in waterless areas, is easy to operate and maintain, and has high thermal efficiency. A computer-aided optimization was carried out for a regenerative solar gas turbine, including a parametric study of compressor, regenerator, concentrator, and turbine efficiencies. The effects of maximum cycle operating temperature and engine-pressure ratio on thermal efficiency and power output, as welll as corresponding optimum pressure ratios, were determined. The turbine and compressor efficiencies and the maximum cycle temperature exert the strongest influence on cycle thermal efficiency, power output, optimum pressure ratio for maximum work and efficiency: the regenerator has a greater effect than the receiver.