on video 3D computer animation of the functioning of the gas and steam turbine thermal power station in Jena

 3D computer animation of the functioning of the gas and steam turbine thermal power station in Jena

Combined cycle gas and steam power plant
A gas and steam combined cycle power plant or gas and steam turbine power plant (CCPP power plant for short) is a power plant in which the principles of a gas turbine power plant and a steam power plant are combined. A gas turbine serves as a heat source for a downstream waste heat boiler, which in turn acts as a steam generator for the steam turbine.

With this combined mode of operation, a higher degree of efficiency is achieved in the thermodynamic cycle than with gas turbines in open operation or in conventionally fired steam power plants. With electrical efficiencies of up to 60%, combined cycle power plants are among the most efficient conventional power plants (see gas engine). With conventionally produced natural gas, the greenhouse gas emissions from combined cycle power plants are 420 to 480 g CO2-eq/kWh (carbon dioxide equivalent), the median is 450 g CO2-eq/kWh.[1]


In addition, the integration of (thermal) solar energy using solar collectors is possible, so that at suitable locations with high solar radiation, fuel can be saved compared to conventional power plants. A first solar hybrid combined cycle power plant, the Hassi R'Mel power plant, was put into operation in Algeria in 2011.[2]

Combined cycle power plants can be used very flexibly in power plant management: Thanks to short start-up times and the possibility of rapid load changes, they are ideal medium-load power plants. These power plants are primarily operated in the medium load range and, if necessary, even in the peak current range. Theoretically, operation as a base load power plant is also possible, but this is not economical and therefore not common in Germany due to the price of gas.

 3D computer animation of the functioning of the gas and steam turbine thermal power station in Jena

Combined cycle gas and steam power plant
A gas and steam combined cycle power plant or gas and steam turbine power plant (CCPP power plant for short) is a power plant in which the principles of a gas turbine power plant and a steam power plant are combined. A gas turbine serves as a heat source for a downstream waste heat boiler, which in turn acts as a steam generator for the steam turbine.

With this combined mode of operation, a higher degree of efficiency is achieved in the thermodynamic cycle than with gas turbines in open operation or in conventionally fired steam power plants. With electrical efficiencies of up to 60%, combined cycle power plants are among the most efficient conventional power plants (see gas engine). With conventionally produced natural gas, the greenhouse gas emissions from combined cycle power plants are 420 to 480 g CO2-eq/kWh (carbon dioxide equivalent), the median is 450 g CO2-eq/kWh.[1]


In addition, the integration of (thermal) solar energy using solar collectors is possible, so that at suitable locations with high solar radiation, fuel can be saved compared to conventional power plants. A first solar hybrid combined cycle power plant, the Hassi R'Mel power plant, was put into operation in Algeria in 2011.[2]

Combined cycle power plants can be used very flexibly in power plant management: Thanks to short start-up times and the possibility of rapid load changes, they are ideal medium-load power plants. These power plants are primarily operated in the medium load range and, if necessary, even in the peak current range. Theoretically, operation as a base load power plant is also possible, but this is not economical and therefore not common in Germany due to the price of gas.