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Examoogle • User • info@examoogle.com • EE-2024-8821
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The gas turbine power plant mainly uses which among the following fuels?
Coal and Peat
Kerosene oil and diesel oil and residual oil
Gas oil
Natural gas and liquid petroleum fuel
Natural gas and liquid petroleum fuel
Quick Summary: Gas turbine power plants primarily utilize high-grade liquid or gaseous fuels, such as natural gas, kerosene, or diesel, which provide clean combustion. These fuels are preferred because they minimize carbon deposits on turbine blades, ensuring long-term operational efficiency.
Gas turbine power plants primarily utilize high-grade liquid or gaseous fuels, such as natural gas, kerosene, or diesel, which provide clean combustion. These fuels are preferred because they minimize carbon deposits on turbine blades, ensuring long-term operational efficiency.
ηth=1−(rp)(γ−1)/γ1 — Efficiency of the ideal Brayton cycle
Wnet=Wturbine−Wcompressor — Net work output of the cycle
The gas turbine operates on the Brayton cycle. Compressed air is mixed with fuel in a combustion chamber where ignition occurs, increasing the enthalpy of the gas. This high-pressure, high-temperature gas expands through the turbine blades to produce mechanical shaft work, which then drives the compressor and an electric generator.
Natural gas is the most widely used fuel due to its clean burning properties.
Liquid petroleum fuels (like diesel or kerosene) serve as reliable alternatives, especially for peaking power plants.
Solid fuels like coal cannot be directly used in conventional gas turbines due to ash erosion on high-speed turbine blades.
High combustion efficiency is critical to avoid blade erosion and thermal fatigue.
High power-to-weight ratio
Rapid startup and shutdown capability
Lower initial installation cost compared to steam power plants
Lower overall thermal efficiency compared to combined cycle plants
Dependent on high-quality, expensive fuels
Sensitive to ambient air temperature
Peak load power generation
Aviation propulsion (jet engines)
Distributed energy systems
The combustion temperature in gas turbines is limited by the metallurgical constraints of the turbine blades.
Option A is incorrect because pulverized coal requires complex gasification processes before it can be used in a turbine.
Option B is partially correct but less comprehensive than Option D, which covers the primary fuel categories.
D is correct — Gas turbine power plants operate on gaseous or clean liquid fuels to protect turbine blades from particulate contamination and erosion.
In competitive exams, remember that gas turbines are synonymous with clean fuels; if coal is involved, the process must include an external combustor or gasifier (IGCC plant).