To satisfy current energy needs, new energy generation technology is constantly being developed.  A large percentage of today’s energy requirements are supplied by natural gas burning plants.  One of the more current plant types is called a gas turbine combine cycle plant which attempt to maximize efficiency while reducing emissions.  One of the benefits of using a natural gas burning plant compared to other fossil fuel burning plants is that gas produces no particulate matter or sulfur dioxides.  Two less emissions to worry about when contemplating power generation’s effects on climate change.

Gas turbine combine cycle gets its name from combining two distinct cycles to generate electricity.  Very generally, the first cycle consists of a gas turbine, burning the gasoline to produce energy on its own.  The second process uses the waste heat of the first process to power a steam turbine.  Collectively the combined cycles are just one way to maximize energy generation.

The displayed images were obtained from General Electric’s website and exhibit the two separate turbines used in the power generation cycle

In a common energy generation process not all thermal energy can be turned into work, dictated by the second law of thermodynamics.  Even under ideal conditions plant technology has only brought energy generation so far.  The introduction of new materials and processes provide a bright future for natural gas burning plants, both for its efficiency and its ecological effect.

Primary Author: Justin Sandler