COMBINED CYCLE POWER PLANT 

A combined cycle power plant is a type of power generation facility that uses both gas turbines and steam turbines to produce electricity. Here’s how it typically works:

​

• Gas Turbine Operation: Natural gas or another fuel is burned in a combustion chamber to drive a gas turbine, similar to a jet engine. The gas turbine generates electricity by rotating a generator.

​

• Waste Heat Recovery: The hot exhaust gases from the gas turbine contain a significant amount of thermal energy. Instead of letting this heat go to waste, it is captured and used to produce steam.

​

• Steam Turbine Operation: The steam produced from the waste heat is directed into a steam turbine, where it expands and turns the turbine blades. This mechanical energy is then used to generate additional electricity.

​

• Efficiency: The combined cycle configuration increases overall efficiency compared to traditional power plants that only use one type of generator (either gas or steam). This is because it effectively captures and utilizes waste heat, maximizing the energy extracted from the fuel.

​

• Environmental Impact: Combined cycle plants are generally more fuel-efficient and produce lower emissions per unit of electricity generated compared to conventional fossil fuel power plants. This is due to their higher thermal efficiency and the ability to control emissions more effectively.

​

Overall, combined cycle power plants are favored for their efficiency, lower environmental impact, and flexibility in fuel use, making them a significant part of modern electricity generation infrastructure around the world.