Abstract
Research Overview
Lowering NOx Emission Levels Continues to be the Prime Focus of Research
Activities
Manufacturers of gas turbines are allocating a major portion of research funds
toward meeting the strict emission levels prescribed by environmentalists and
the governments of various countries. So far, current technologies that
operate at less than, or equal to, 25 parts per million (ppm) have been
successful in containing the nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission to the stipulated
levels set by the governments. The goal is to achieve less than 15 ppm by
2020. Facing competition from 'greener' technologies such as fuel cells and
coal-based power generation, manufacturers are turning to methods such as
diluent injection, lean premixed combustion, catalytic reduction, carbon
monoxide oxidation catalysts, and catalytic absorbtion systems to reduce NOx
emissions. The challenge lies in sustaining low emission levels at all loads,
while simultaneously maintaining efficiency standards.
This Technical Insights research service provides a thorough analysis of the
latest trends in gas turbine technologies. The study analyzes key MAST and
non-MAST technologies and highlights important developments taking place
across research institutions. In addition to identifying key technology
drivers and industry challenges, participants can also identify potential
collaborators, stay ahead of the competition, and keep abreast of critical
developments.
Overall Shortage of Power Likely to Drive Distributed Generation
In most countries, power generation has not been able to cope with existing
demand. This situation reaches challenging heights when the power generation
companies or the concerned authorities are not able to meet the peak demand by
exploiting their reserve margins. High-quality cogeneration to meet the power
demands of the industrial sector and offer significant energy savings has been
a key focus of research, especially in Europe. In other markets, demand for
combined heat and power applications is expected to drive the adoption of gas
turbine technologies.
"Leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are looking to Asia Pacific,
because of the tremendous potential for distributed generation technologies in
these markets," explains the analyst. Distributed generation technologies such
as gas engines, diesel engines, gas turbines, micro turbines, and fuel cells
are gaining ground due to benefits such as proximity to point of use and
reduced burden on the existing transmission and distribution networks.
Thrust on Increasing Efficiency of Gas Turbines
The power generation industry is demanding gas turbine technologies that
demonstrate competence on various factors such as efficiency, fuel
flexibility, operating flexibility, durability, cost, and other value-enhanced
features. Reliability, availability, and maintainability (RAM) are
collectively known as the three important parameters in the market.
"Efficiency remains the prime concern for gas turbine users because of its
impact on electricity costs," observes the analyst. "A single percent increase
in efficiency promises increased profitability to users, particularly during
peak power requirements."
Currently, the efficiency of these systems ranges from 35 to 46 percent for a
single cycle and between 57 to 60 percent for combined cycle operations. The
focus is likely to be on increasing the minimum efficiency figures, whereas
the upper efficiency limit is expected to remain constant, at least for the
next five years.
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