Thermo-economic assessment of an OCGT power plant: Pathways to renewable fuel integration

The present case study illustrates the methodology for developing a feasibility study of an open-cycle gas turbines power plant fuelled with biomethane. A joint thermodynamic and financial approach is considered to develop the valuation. The net present value is chosen as discriminating criterion for the feasibility; thus the cash flows associated with the project are evaluated. To determine the cash flow, a detailed thermodynamic model is implemented to estimate power generation and biomethane consumption. The power generation is the driver to estimate the revenues; while the biomethane consumption is the main source of generation cost, the other is represented by the variable operating and maintenance costs. The impact of different modelling solutions (e.g., addition of a regenerator, c p as a function of temperature, impact of taxes, etc.) is shown.