V2I12P05

Comparative Analysis of Turbine Performance using the Conventional and Alternative Energy Sources

Nwanze N. E.^1*, Madu K. E.², Igbagbon E. J.³

Abstract

With an emphasis on important metrics like thermal/aerodynamic efficiency, power output, reliability, environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness, this study compares turbine performance across conventional (natural gas) and alternative (biogas) energy sources. Data from previous studies, operational reports, and performance models for several types of gas turbines are combined in the analysis. Methane content, lower heating value (LHV), combustion efficiency, fuel consumption, Nox and CO emissions, net efficiency, and environmental impact are examples of key performance indicators (KPIs). Natural gas has a higher heating value per cubic meter than raw biogas. This means that more biogas is needed to produce the same amount of energy, and system modifications (such as specific input manifolds and higher flow rates) are necessary for efficient operation. Standard gas turbines frequently show higher intrinsic combustion efficiency when using natural gas, but research has shown that biogas can achieve combustion performance and efficiency comparable to natural gas with the correct fuel injection and combustion systems. Therefore, when choosing between conventional and alternative energy sources for turbine operation, a multi-criteria analysis that takes into account variables including complexity, cost, reliability, and environmental objectives is required in addition to energy performance.

Keywords:

Turbine Performance, Conventional Energy, Alternative Energy, Biogas, Efficiency