High-efficiency advanced combined-cycle power plants

In light of recent energy considerations in Japan, the establishment of a thermal power plant system is eagerly anticipated which will realize both high-efficiency and high-operability running conditions. High efficiency is requiredfor reduction ofemissions and imported fuel consumption, while high operability is necessary for supplying electric power to follow the rapid electric power changes. The advanced combined cycle (ACC) power plant consists ofa brand-new 1300°C-class high-temperature gas turbine with a reheat triple-pressure type heat-recovery steam generator, and a steam turbine, achieving both high efficiency and high operability. Hitachi, Ltd. has completed the trial operations through planning, design and construction of the ACC power plants-both multi-shaft type and single-shaft type-based on the established technologies of non-reheat double-pressure type combined-cycle power plants. Future developments of higher efficiency combined-cycle power plants concerned with environmental harmony and the establishment of the applied technologies to the next generation will be continued.