Analysing the Feasibility of Adopting Gas Turbine Technology for Electric Power Generation in Iraq

A study was undertaken to understand the status of electric power demand, generation and supply in Iraq and the feasibility for adopting gas turbine technology for generating electric power. Based on the climatic and weather data, it was found that Iraq in general experiences a hot and dry climate with cooler nights. Apart from the coastal regions of the country, the relative humidity is generally low. This was found to be an encouraging factor for adopting cost effective evaporative cooling systems for the air entering gas turbine used for power generation (GTPG). The higher frequency dust storms in Iraq can result in operational problems, shorter life span and higher maintenance costs for GTPG, making air filtration mandatory for efficient operation of GTPG. Taking into account the district wise climatic and weather conditions, the district of Nineweh was found to be more suitable for the establishment of gas turbine plant for electric power generation (GTPEG). Among the different cooling systems available taking into to account the cost effectiveness and the simplicity in design, construction, operation and maintenance, it was found that evaporative cooling system was more suitable. Further, it was found that the effectiveness of evaporative cooling system can be enhanced by taking advantage of the low night temperature and cooling the water to be used in the evaporative cooling system. Analysing the performance of the gas turbine, it was found that adopting the cooling system will result in reducing the power loss from 6.68-46.89 % to 2.77 to 21.17 %.