Gas turbines are essentially combustion engines that operate with natural gas for power generation. Statistically, natural gas is used industry-wise for 62.17% of energy and 37.83% non-energy goals. Different types of gas turbines utilize this source and add to its high valuation in the market.
To note, all gas turbine types power different types of commercial applications. Some of the main uses of this system include propulsion systems for air, sea, and lead transport, power generation, and industrial mechanical drives. Plus, in the context of operative parameters, gas turbine types work for various small-scale (kW range) mobile systems and large-scale (multi-MW range) stationary systems.
Statistically, the range of turbines available and their usage in different sectors resulted in a high gas turbine market value of $20 billion in 2021.
In this article, you would learn about MD&A’s Gas Turbine Services and types. Also, their relevant applications.
Types of Gas Turbines
There are various versions of gas turbines available. The types differ based on their performance ability, operations, and usage. The typical type-based distinctions include options like:
Based on Thermodynamic cycle-
- Ericsson Cycle
- Atkinsons Cycle turbines
- Joules/Brayton Cycle turbines
Based on operational cycle-
- Open-cycle gas turbines
- Closed-cycle gas turbines
Based on combustion method-
- Explosion combustion turbines
- Continuous combustion turbines
Plus, the pressure of the gas production does bring about two variations, i.e., high-pressure gas turbines and low-pressure gas turbines.
● High-pressure turbines
Here, the compressor and turbine are mounted on one shaft; these turbines mainly focus on operating compressors. Approximately 66% of the energy used in these turbines goes into powering the compressors; the rest assist in electricity production.
● Low-pressure turbines
These types concentrate on power generation mainly and have a connected generator + shaft design. In low-pressure turbines, the gases move into high-pressure turbines and are released later into the combustion chamber.
Here, more combustion takes place which influences the electricity production through the connected generator.
In terms of application, the gas turbine types generally include:
- Locomotive propulsion
- Aircraft engines
- Supercharging of IC engines
- Ship propulsion
- Electric power generation
- Industrial applications
- Aerodynamic engines
Furthermore, there are specific distinctions in types under the aircraft-specific gas turbine category. To note, the configurations in the turbojet engines have certain similarities with the power plant-centric gas turbines.
● Turbojet engines
These engine types work in a similar capacity to reciprocal engines, although the design is vastly different. The working principle in turbojet engines follows the intake, compression, exhaust, and power generation standards.
The air moves swiftly through the ignitor and fuel inlet in the combustion chamber.
● Turboprop engines
The turboprop engines join the propeller through the gear system. At first, the shaft coupled with the transmission gearbox twists, and later the transmission box reduces the spinning movement.
The transmission mechanism has a connection with the gear with the slowest movement. Consequently, the motion rotates the air propellers, which produces thrust.
● Turboshaft engines
The turboshaft engines work mainly in helicopter aircraft models. Here, most of the energy is used for spinning the turbines. These engines are a type of turbojet motor in design. However, a large shaft attaches to the back of this model.
● Turbofan engines
This particular type works in tandem with the turboprops and turbojets. To note, these engines can be attached with the turbojet engine through the duct fan at the front. This fan exerts additional pressure and push, which cools the engine and decreases engine noise during operation.
Applications of Gas Turbine Services
The following are the main industry-wide applications of gas turbines.
● Turbojet/turbo propeller engines
Gas turbines are available in all turbojet as well as turbo propeller engine models. This supplies the energy that drives the compressor in the former and the propeller + compressor in the latter.
As for the natural gas expansion that occurs, it happens inside a set of high pressure-low pressure engines or in one turbine only. The temperature range here is between 800-1000°C typically.
● Supercharging
Another notable application of gas turbines is for supercharging purposes. At this point, hot exhaust gases operate in a small-scale gas turbine. The main practices this is useful for are heavy-duty diesel engines and aviation gasoline engines.
● Marine field
Gas turbines operate in the marine field for generating power in ships or their propulsion engine.
● Road transport
Gas turbines enhance the high-speed range of heavy-duty armoured vehicles.
● Railway
This turbine type is applicable for rail propulsion systems.
● Industrial use
Many gas turbine types are used for powering industrial systems in blast furnaces of oil, steel industry, and chemical industries.
● Electric power
Gas turbines have low cost in maintenance and installation and have high load capacity. Thus, they are used highly for electricity generation. Also, gas turbine have high-efficiency rates which ensure higher electric power generation in power plants.
Conclusion
Overall, gas turbines are highly efficient services for powering systems and machinery in different types of industries. The power capacity rate of gas turbines ensures high power generation rates, in all types of gas turbines.
They work specific to different applications. It is crucial to know and understand the distinctions to invest in the appropriate turbine services.
