Thermodynamic study of an EFGT (externally fired gas turbine) cycle with one detailed model for the ceramic heat exchanger

The EFGT (externally fired gas turbine) cycle has been considered as an option to burn biomass in gas turbines. One key element on the implementation of one EFGT cycle is the high temperature heat exchanger (HTHE) necessary to support the high temperatures of operation. The performance of the HTHE, its effectiveness and pressure drop imposed to the gas flow, may have significant influence over the thermal efficiency of the EFGT cycle. The simulations of the EFGT cycle presented herein use correlations for the pressure drop and heat transfer of one ceramic heat exchanger of the plate and fin type, evaluated numerically. The results obtained show that the type of ceramic heat exchanger simulated presents adequate performance to be implemented in one EFGT cycle.

► Simulations of EFGT (externally fired gas turbines) cycle with detailed model for the heat exchanger are discussed.
► The effectiveness of the heat exchanger has strong influence over cycle efficiency.
► Pressure drop caused by heat exchanger did not produce significant efficiency reduction.
► Better performance of the heat exchanger for high Reynolds numbers range.