Brayton Cycle (Gas Turbine) Analysis

The ideal cycle for the simple gas turbine is the 'Brayton Cycle', also called the Joule Cycle. In this 1-hour interactive online course, the open, simple Brayton Cycle used for stationary power generation is considered. The Brayton Cycle thermal efficiency is also presented (but only for the air as the working fluid) and the thermal efficiency derivation is presented with a simple mathematical approach.

The Brayton Cycle is presented in the 'T - s' diagram and its major performance trends (specific power output and power output) are plotted in figures as a function of compressor pressure ratio, gas turbine inlet temperature and working fluid mass flow rate. In this course, the student becomes familiar with the Brayton Cycle, its components, T - s diagram, operation and major performance trends.

This course provides the student with background material regarding basic thermodynamic concepts and a glossary for reference material. It should be noted that this online course does not deal with capital, operational or maintenance costs.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end.

At the conclusion of this course, you will:

• Know basic components of the Brayton Cycle (Gas Turbine) and its T - s diagram
• Be familiar with the Brayton Cycle operation
• Understand general Brayton Cycle performance trends
• Understand basic energy conversion engineering assumptions and equations