Question

In a combined cycle of gas turbine, can a steam turbine drive the same generator driven by the gas turbine? Or it must drives a separate generator?

Also, is there any gas power station that uses a gas other than natural gas? Please give an example. Also, is there a gas power station that uses synthesis gas?

Answer 1

In combined cycles we have use more than one turbine, that means each cycle(each turbine) requires a separate generator. From the gas cycle the energy is recovered from exhaust gases and it is transferred to steam in a boiler. So combined cycle increases efficiency but it includes a complexity of the plant which makes requirement of separate generator.

Part 2: yes we can use helium, argon, carbon dioxide or nitrogen other than natural gas as a working fluid with the help of closed cycle .its application include nuclear closed cycle gas turbines for power generation, for solar tower power plant, for fossil fired combined power and heat plant at Germany.

part 3: yes there is a synthesis gas power station , duke energy's igcc power plant in edwardsport, Indiana and coolwater demonstration igcc plant in Barstow, California. And by synthesis gas ,Power plant delivers a reduced cost of electricity and increased power and efficiency.