Yhdistelmämoottoreiden

Yhdistelmämoottori, known in English as a combined cycle power plant, is an engine system that utilizes waste heat from one type of engine to power another. The most common configuration involves a gas turbine and a steam turbine. In this setup, the hot exhaust gases from the gas turbine are channeled through a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG). This HRSG produces steam, which then drives a steam turbine. The steam turbine is coupled to a generator to produce electricity. This process allows for a significantly higher overall energy conversion efficiency compared to using either a gas turbine or a steam turbine alone.

The primary advantage of yhdistelmämoottori technology lies in its fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. By recovering and utilizing heat that would otherwise be lost, these plants can achieve efficiencies of 50-60% or even higher, depending on the specific design. This leads to lower fuel consumption per unit of electricity generated and, consequently, a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. They are often used as baseload or intermediate load power generation facilities due to their efficiency and relatively quick startup times compared to some other large-scale power plants.

The components of a yhdistelmämoottori typically include a gas turbine, a heat recovery steam generator, a steam turbine, and generators for both turbines. The operational flexibility of combined cycle plants also allows them to respond to fluctuating electricity demands. Their widespread adoption reflects a move towards more efficient and environmentally conscious power generation methods.