Exergetic and exergo-economic analyses of an aero-derivative gas turbine engine

•Evaluating exergetic and exergoeconomics aspects of LM6000 engine.•The exergetic efficiency of LM6000 has been calculated as 39%.•Exergy cost rate is found to be 3798.80 US$/h for LM6000.•Unit exergy cost rate attains around 24.37 US$/GW for LM6000.

The number of aero-derivative gas turbines used in cogeneration systems will continue to rise in following decades. This study is focused on detailed exergetic and exergo-economic analyses of an LM6000 gas turbine engine derived from CF6–80C2 aircraft turbofan engine. In this regard, balances of exergy and exergy costs for each components and LM6000 gas turbine engine are carefully considered in order to match exergetic and economic values. As a result of exergy analysis, exergetic efficiency of the LM6000 is obtained to be 39%. On the other hand, exergo-economic results show that exergy cost rate and unit exergy cost rate of the LM6000 are determined to be 3798.80 US$/h and 24.37 US$/GW, respectively. It is expected that results of this study are useful to identify the cost flows of fuel, products, and destructions and to regulate operation conditions and maintenance of aero-derivative gas turbine fleet. Furthermore, it will be beneficial of similar power generation systems in any environment.