BENEFITS & OVERVIEW OF

SINGLE-SHAFT COMBINED
CYCLE POWER PLANTS „-

G2 [From 6 Feb – 17 Feb] – Day 5

Supervised by: Eng.Amr Sabry
Done By: Ahmed AbdelMoety Ahmed Rasslan

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Single-Shaft vs. 1 x 1 Multi-Shaft

In a single-shaft configuration, both prime movers

(the gas and steam turbines) are on one shaft line
connected by a synchronous self-shifting (SSS)
clutch, and they drive a single, common generator
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(Figure 1). Beyond a common generator, the balance
of plant (BOP) systems in a single-shaft
configuration are also harmonized resulting in fewer
individual components. This is in contrast to multi-
shaft configurations, where the steam and gas
turbines are on different shaft lines, supported by
separate BOP systems, and drive their own
independent generators.

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Single-Shaft vs. 1 x 1 Multi-Shaft

1. The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. A single-shaft

configuration means that both the gas turbine and steam turbine are
arranged on one shaft and drive the same generator. Courtesy: Siemens
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Having a single generator connected to the grid and less BOP equipment
offers financial, operational, and footprint advantages for the single-shaft
arrangement. For instance, one generator means one set of bus ducts, and
one generator breaker, generator step-up transformer, and switchyard. In
many cases, choosing a single-shaft arrangement rather than a multi-shaft
design can result in capital expense savings of 3% to 5% for the plant.

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Single-Shaft vs. 1 x 1 Multi-Shaft

A small gain in plant efficiency can also be achieved, as one large generator
typically has a slightly higher efficiency than two smaller ones. Single-shaft
configurations also require fewer mechanical connections, which translates
into lower losses. Similarly, the simplification of BOP „-systems, such as lube
oil systems, can result in less maintenance, higher availability, and lower
auxiliary power demand. Single-shaft configurations have a more compact
design than multi-shaft, leading to a smaller footprint for the plant. This is
especially advantageous on sites where equipment needs to be enclosed
within a building, due to noise or weather restrictions, for example.

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Combustion Turbine
• IMIA WGP 001 (1993) Development of Industrial Gas Turbines
• IMIA WGP 013 (00) Large Gas Turbines
• IMIA WGP 064 (09)

Risk Concerns - Combustion Turbines „-

• Consequences
• Changes in duty cycle from base load to peaking
• Lower capacity factor and lower revenue
• Control system obsolescence
• Excessive turning gear time and blade rock wear
• Improper layup during extended periods of down time
• Combustion turbine inlet and exhaust duct deterioration 6
Risk Concerns - Combustion Turbines - Revolutionary Design

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Looking ahead

Each configuration has its advantages and disadvantages. SWRI‟s Brun

does not believe that a cookie cutter approach to plant selection is the right
way ahead for U.S. operators. Generally speaking, he said, single shaft
reduces space requirements for a combined cycle plant „- by as much as 15%,
plant costs by a few percent and a fractional improvement in efficiency. “But
they are not as flexible as having the gas turbine and the steam turbine each
on their own generator.”
Vendors believe that change is coming. “As equipment evolves, we also see
the popularity of particular configurations changing,” said Siemens‟ Balling.
“The modular approach of multiple single shafts has become attractive to
some U.S. customers.”
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Thank You
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