Part Load Fuel Consumption Problem of Open Cycle Gas Turbines

This paper examines the basic reasons for the increase in specific fuel consumption of conventional open cycle gas turbines with decreasing load, and explores possibilities for improvement. The various methods discussed include recuperated machines with a high top temperature; a variable turbine nozzle arrangement; a small engine with reheat boost to attain rated power; and a multiple engine system in which inoperative units are motored by the operating units at half speed to permit rapid power responses. Illustrative data for each condition is presented.