This specialized course focuses on the efficient operation and optimization of combined cycle power plants in the context of evolving grid demands and renewable energy integration. Participants will gain deep understanding of combined cycle technology, operational strategies, and flexibility enhancements needed for grid stability. The curriculum covers plant performance monitoring, maintenance optimization, and operational adaptations for renewable energy complementarity. Through technical analysis and operational scenarios, learners will develop expertise in maximizing plant efficiency and reliability while supporting grid decarbonization.
Combined Cycle Power Plants: Efficient Operation in a Transitioning Grid
Energy Transition and Renewable Energy
October 25, 2025
Introduction
Objectives
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Optimize combined cycle plant performance under varying loads
- Implement flexible operation strategies for grid support
- Conduct performance testing and heat rate analysis
- Manage plant operations in high renewable penetration scenarios
- Develop maintenance strategies for reliability and efficiency
- Analyze economic dispatch and market operation considerations
- Implement digitalization and advanced control strategies
- Address operational challenges in cycling duty
- Evaluate upgrade and retrofit opportunities
Target Audience
- Power Plant Operators and Engineers
- Plant Managers and Superintendents
- Maintenance Engineers and Technicians
- Grid Operations Personnel
- Energy Asset Managers
- Performance Engineers
- Technical Consultants
- Regulatory Compliance Staff
Methodology
- Plant operation simulation exercises
- Case studies of successful plant optimization
- Performance calculation workshops
- Maintenance strategy development sessions
- Grid integration scenario analysis
- Economic dispatch calculations
- Mini-case studies of operational challenges
- Syndicate discussions on future grid roles
Personal Impact
- Enhanced technical operational knowledge
- Improved problem-solving capabilities
- Stronger understanding of grid dynamics
- Increased value in power generation sector
- Better economic analysis skills
- Advanced maintenance management competencies
Organizational Impact
- Improved plant efficiency and availability
- Reduced operating costs and increased profitability
- Enhanced grid support capabilities
- Extended equipment lifetime and reliability
- Better compliance with environmental regulations
- Increased asset value and market competitiveness
Course Outline
Combined Cycle Technology Fundamentals
Plant Configuration and Components- Gas turbine selection and characteristics
- Heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) design
- Steam turbine configurations and integration
- Balance of plant systems and auxiliaries
- Brayton and Rankine cycle integration
- Heat rate calculation and performance indicators
- Efficiency optimization opportunities
- Cogeneration and district heating applications
Operational Strategies and Optimization
Plant Performance Monitoring- Key performance indicators (KPIs) tracking
- Performance testing methodologies
- Data acquisition and analysis systems
- Benchmarking against industry standards
- Load following and dispatch optimization
- Start-up and shutdown optimization
- Fuel flexibility and alternative fuel operation
- Water management and conservation
Flexibility and Grid Integration
Flexible Operation Techniques- Fast starting and rapid load changing
- Minimum environmental load operation
- Frequency response and reserve provision
- Black start capability and system restoration
- Complementing variable renewable generation
- Operating in high renewable penetration grids
- Ancillary services market participation
- Hybrid system configurations
Maintenance and Reliability
Maintenance Strategy Development- Preventive and predictive maintenance programs
- Condition monitoring techniques
- Outage planning and optimization
- Reliability-centered maintenance approaches
- Thermal mechanical fatigue management
- Component life assessment and extension
- Inspection and lifetime monitoring
- Materials degradation mechanisms
Advanced Technologies and Upgrades
Performance Enhancement Technologies- Advanced gas turbine upgrades
- HRSG supplementary firing and duct burning
- Steam injection and evaporative cooling
- Carbon capture readiness considerations
- Digital twin applications
- Advanced process control optimization
- Predictive analytics for maintenance
- Cybersecurity for digital systems
Economic and Regulatory Aspects
Economic Operation- Market participation strategies
- Capacity and energy revenue optimization
- Fuel procurement and risk management
- Carbon pricing impacts and strategies
- Emissions control technologies and compliance
- Environmental permit requirements
- Grid code compliance and technical requirements
- Safety regulations and procedures
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