Abstract
Research Overview
Lowering NOx Emission Levels Continues to be the Prime Focus of Research
Activities
Manufacturers of gas turbines are allocating a major portion of research funds
toward meeting the strict emission levels prescribed by environmentalists and
the governments of various countries. So far, current technologies that
operate at less than, or equal to, 25 parts per million (ppm) have been
successful in containing the nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission to the stipulated
levels set by the governments. The goal is to achieve less than 15 ppm by
2020. Facing competition from 'greener' technologies such as fuel cells and
coal-based power generation, manufacturers are turning to methods such as
diluent injection, lean premixed combustion, catalytic reduction, carbon
monoxide oxidation catalysts, and catalytic absorbtion systems to reduce NOx
emissions. The challenge lies in sustaining low emission levels at all loads,
while simultaneously maintaining efficiency standards.
This Technical Insights research service provides a thorough analysis of the
latest trends in gas turbine technologies. The study analyzes key MAST and
non-MAST technologies and highlights important developments taking place
across research institutions. In addition to identifying key technology
drivers and industry challenges, participants can also identify potential
collaborators, stay ahead of the competition, and keep abreast of critical
developments.
Overall Shortage of Power Likely to Drive Distributed Generation
In most countries, power generation has not been able to cope with existing
demand. This situation reaches challenging heights when the power generation
companies or the concerned authorities are not able to meet the peak demand by
exploiting their reserve margins. High-quality cogeneration to meet the power
demands of the industrial sector and offer significant energy savings has been
a key focus of research, especially in Europe. In other markets, demand for
combined heat and power applications is expected to drive the adoption of gas
turbine technologies.
"Leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are looking to Asia Pacific,
because of the tremendous potential for distributed generation technologies in
these markets," explains the analyst. Distributed generation technologies such
as gas engines, diesel engines, gas turbines, micro turbines, and fuel cells
are gaining ground due to benefits such as proximity to point of use and
reduced burden on the existing transmission and distribution networks.
Thrust on Increasing Efficiency of Gas Turbines
The power generation industry is demanding gas turbine technologies that
demonstrate competence on various factors such as efficiency, fuel
flexibility, operating flexibility, durability, cost, and other value-enhanced
features. Reliability, availability, and maintainability (RAM) are
collectively known as the three important parameters in the market.
"Efficiency remains the prime concern for gas turbine users because of its
impact on electricity costs," observes the analyst. "A single percent increase
in efficiency promises increased profitability to users, particularly during
peak power requirements."
Currently, the efficiency of these systems ranges from 35 to 46 percent for a
single cycle and between 57 to 60 percent for combined cycle operations. The
focus is likely to be on increasing the minimum efficiency figures, whereas
the upper efficiency limit is expected to remain constant, at least for the
next five years.
Table of Contents
1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- Overview
- Research Overview
- Research Methodology
- Key Findings
- Emerging Technologies
- Competing Technologies
2 GAS TURBINES: TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENTS AND APPLICATIONS
- Gas Turbines
- Technology Primer
- MAST Gas Turbine Technologies
- NonMAST Gas Turbine Technologies
- Developments in North America
- H System-Based Gas Turbines
- Aeroderivatives for Land-Based Power Generation
- Developments in EMEA
- Aeroderivative-Based Gas Turbine Technology
- Gas Turbines from Italy
- Gas Turbines Using Patented Air-Bypass Systems Facilitating Part Loads
- Advanced H Class Gas Turbines
- Sequential-Combustion-Technology-Based Gas Turbines
- SwirlFlash-Technology-Based TOPHAT Cycle Gas Turbines
- Developments in APAC
- Environment Friendly Combustion Gas Turbines
- Advanced Premix DLN Combustor Technology
3 GAS TURBINES: TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION AND COMMERCIALIZATION
- Analysis of Gas Turbine Technology Challenges and Drivers
- Technology Challenges
- Technology Drivers
- Analysis of Gas Turbine Market Drivers and Challenges
- Market Drivers
- Market Challenges
- Competing Technologies and Their Drivers and Challenges
- Clean Coal Technologies
- Renewable Energy Technologies
- Fuel Cell Technologies
- Microturbines
- Gas Turbine Technology Trends
- Technology Trends in Gas Turbines
- Technology Roadmap
- Industry Trends in Gas Turbines
4 GAS TURBINES: R&D DEVELOPMENTS FROM UNIVERSITIES
- Research & Development on Gas Turbines
- Understanding Air Filters Better
- Novel Combined Cycle Process with Fuel Decarbonization and Near-Zero
Carbon Dioxide Emissions
- Performace Evaluation of Internal and External Reforming in
SOFC-MGT-Based Power Plants
- Current and Future Gas Turbine Technologies
- Study on Emissions from Distributed and Centralized Power Generation
Systems
- Research on Coatings for Gas Turbine Materials
- Solution Precursor Plasma Process for Producing Thick TBCs
- Types of Coatings and Long-Term Stability Issues in Gas Turbines
- Impact of TBC Morphology on the Erosion Behavior of EBPVD TBCs
- Study on Sintering and Creep Behavior of APS and EBPVD TBCs
- Novel Inspection Technique for Thermal Barrier Coatings
- Niobia for Reducing Thermal Conductivity on Turbine Blades
5 KEY PATENTS & CONTACTS
- Key Patents
- Patents--Gas Turbines
- Patents--Coatings
- Key Contacts
- Corporate Contacts
- Research Institutions
6 FROST & SULLIVAN 2005 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AWARDS
- Product Innovation Award
- Award Description
- Award Recipient
- Excellence in Technology Award
- Award Description
- Award Recipient
- Technology Leadership Award
- Award Description
- Award Recipient
7 CRITICAL REFERENCE TABLES
- Decision Support Database
- Total Electricity Installed Capacity--North America (1999-2009)
- SO2 Emissions--North America (1999-2009)
- CO2 Emissions--North America (1999-2009)
- Electricity Installed Capacity from Other Renewable Energy
Sources--North America (1999-2009)
- Electricity Installed - Thermal--North America (1999-2009)
