Combined Cycle Power Plant Calculator
Calculate the efficiency and output of combined cycle power plants with this advanced tool
Total Power Output
0.00 MW
Combined Efficiency
0.00%
Heat Rate
0.00 kJ/kWh
Annual Energy Production
0.00 MWh
Annual Fuel Cost
$0.00
Cost per MWh
$0.00
About Combined Cycle Power Plants
Combined cycle power plants generate electricity by combining gas turbines (Brayton cycle) and steam turbines (Rankine cycle) to achieve higher efficiency than either could alone. The waste heat from the gas turbine is used to produce steam that drives the steam turbine.
Key Advantages:
- Higher efficiency (typically 50-60%) compared to simple cycle plants (35-40%)
- Lower fuel costs per MWh generated
- Reduced emissions per unit of electricity
- Flexible operation for grid stability
Calculation Methodology
This calculator uses the following formulas:
Total Output (MW): Gas Turbine Output + Steam Turbine Output
Combined Efficiency (%): (Total Output / (Fuel Input × 0.293071)) × 100
Heat Rate (kJ/kWh): 3600 / (Combined Efficiency / 100)
Annual Energy (MWh): Total Output × Operating Hours
Annual Fuel Cost: Fuel Input × Fuel Cost × Operating Hours
Cost per MWh: Annual Fuel Cost / Annual Energy