Combined Cycle Power Plant Fundamentals: 5-Day Professional Training Course

Course Overview

This intensive Combined Cycle Power Plant Training program provides comprehensive knowledge of combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) technology, operations, and optimization strategies. Designed for power generation professionals, this 5-day course covers gas turbine fundamentals, heat recovery steam generation, plant performance optimization, and operational excellence in modern combined cycle power plants.

Who Should Attend This CCGT Training?

• Power Plant Engineers working in combined cycle facilities

• Operations and Maintenance Personnel in CCGT plants

• Plant Managers and supervisors in gas-fired generation

• Control Room Operators and instrumentation technicians

• Energy Consultants specializing in gas turbine technology

• Project Engineers involved in CCGT plant design and commissioning

• Technical Graduates entering the power generation industry

• Utility Professionals managing gas-fired generation assets

Course Objectives

Participants will master:

• Gas turbine operating principles and thermodynamic cycles

• Heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) design and operation

• Steam turbine integration in combined cycle configurations

• CCGT plant performance optimization techniques

• Control systems and operational strategies

• Maintenance best practices and reliability improvement

• Environmental compliance and emission control

• Economic analysis and efficiency enhancement

Day 1: Combined Cycle Fundamentals and Gas Turbine Technology

Morning Session: Introduction to Combined Cycle Power Generation

Topics Covered:

• Evolution of combined cycle technology and market drivers

• Thermodynamic principles: Brayton and Rankine cycles

• Combined cycle configurations: single-shaft vs. multi-shaft

• 1x1, 2x1, 2x2, and 3x3 plant arrangements

• Performance metrics: efficiency, heat rate, and capacity factor

• Advantages of CCGT over conventional power generation

• Global combined cycle power plant market trends

Key Learning Points:
Understanding why combined cycle plants achieve 60%+ efficiency compared to 35-40% for conventional thermal plants.

Afternoon Session: Gas Turbine Fundamentals

Topics Covered:

• Gas turbine components: compressor, combustor, turbine sections

• Axial flow compressor principles and stage design

• Combustion chamber types: annular, can-annular, dry low NOx (DLN)

• Turbine blade cooling technologies and materials

• Gas turbine performance parameters: pressure ratio, firing temperature, airflow

• Starting systems: static frequency converters and diesel motors

• Major manufacturers: GE, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Ansaldo

Practical Component:
Gas turbine performance calculations and characteristic curve analysis.

Day 2: Heat Recovery Steam Generator Systems

Morning Session: HRSG Design and Components

Topics Covered:

• HRSG fundamentals: horizontal vs. vertical configurations

• Heat transfer principles in HRSG design

• Pressure level configurations: single, dual, and triple pressure

• Economizers, evaporators, and superheater sections

• Steam drum design and circulation systems

• Supplementary firing and duct burners

• HRSG performance optimization and pinch point analysis

Technical Focus:
Understanding temperature profiles and approach temperature design considerations.

Afternoon Session: HRSG Water Chemistry and Auxiliary Systems

Topics Covered:

• Water treatment systems for HRSG operation

• Chemical dosing: phosphate, AVT, and oxygenated treatment

• Condensate polishing and demineralization

• Deaerators and feedwater systems

• Blowdown systems and water quality control

• Corrosion and fouling prevention strategies

• Monitoring and sampling requirements

Workshop:
HRSG water chemistry troubleshooting case studies.

Day 3: Steam Turbines and Power Generation Equipment

Morning Session: Steam Turbine Technology

Topics Covered:

• Steam turbine principles in combined cycle applications

• Impulse vs. reaction turbine designs

• HP, IP, and LP turbine sections

• Steam path optimization and blade design

• Governing systems and speed control

• Condensers and cooling water systems

• Steam turbine efficiency improvement techniques

Afternoon Session: Electrical Systems and Generator Technology

Topics Covered:

• Synchronous generators for CCGT applications

• Generator cooling: air, hydrogen, and water cooling

• Excitation systems: static and brushless types

• Generator protection and monitoring systems

• Step-up transformers and switchyard equipment

• Grid synchronization and power quality

• Auxiliary power systems and emergency backup

Hands-On Activity:
Generator capability curve analysis and reactive power management exercises.

Day 4: CCGT Plant Operations and Control Systems

Morning Session: Plant Operations and Control Philosophy

Topics Covered:

• Combined cycle control strategies: coordinated control

• Distributed Control Systems (DCS) architecture

• Gas turbine control modes and load following

• HRSG pressure control and steam temperature management

• Steam turbine bypass systems and operation

• Plant startup procedures: cold, warm, and hot starts

• Shutdown sequences and emergency trip systems

Key Focus:
Understanding the interaction between gas turbine, HRSG, and steam turbine during transient operations.

Afternoon Session: Performance Monitoring and Optimization

Topics Covered:

• CCGT performance monitoring systems and KPIs

• Heat rate degradation analysis

• Compressor fouling detection and online washing

• HRSG tube leakage identification

• Vibration monitoring and diagnostics

• Real-time performance optimization strategies

• Digital twin technology and predictive analytics

Interactive Session:
Live performance calculation workshop using actual plant data.

Day 5: Maintenance, Reliability, and Advanced Topics

Morning Session: Maintenance Strategies and Best Practices

Topics Covered:

• Gas turbine maintenance: inspection intervals and overhaul planning

• Hot gas path inspections and blade replacement

• Combustion system maintenance and tuning

• HRSG tube inspections and NDT techniques

• Steam turbine maintenance schedules

• Preventive, predictive, and condition-based maintenance

• Outage planning and critical path management

• Spare parts strategy and inventory optimization

Case Study:
Major and minor inspection planning for Frame 9E and 7FA gas turbines.

Afternoon Session: Environmental Compliance and Economics

Topics Covered:

• Emission control in combined cycle plants: NOx, CO, VOC

• Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems

• Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS)

• Carbon footprint and environmental reporting

• CCGT plant economics: CAPEX, OPEX, and LCOE analysis

• Fuel flexibility: natural gas, LNG, and hydrogen blending

• Market participation and ancillary services

• Future trends: hydrogen-ready turbines and carbon capture

Final Session: Advanced Topics and Course Review

Topics Covered:

• Combined cycle with carbon capture and storage (CCS)

• Hybrid power systems: CCGT with battery storage

• Flexible operation for renewable energy integration

• Digitalization and Industry 4.0 in CCGT plants

• Artificial intelligence for predictive maintenance

• Black start capability and grid stability services

Assessment Activities:

• Group project presentations on CCGT optimization scenarios

• Technical knowledge assessment

• Interactive Q&A with industry experts

• Professional certification exam

• Networking session and course evaluation

Course Deliverables and Benefits

Upon completion, participants will:

• Understand complete combined cycle power plant operations

• Apply performance optimization techniques to improve efficiency

• Implement effective maintenance strategies for reliability

• Troubleshoot common operational challenges

• Make data-driven decisions for plant improvement

• Enhance safety and environmental compliance

• Reduce heat rate and operational costs

Training Methodology

This CCGT training course features:

• Expert instruction from experienced plant professionals

• Hands-on calculations and engineering exercises

• Real-world case studies from operating facilities

• Interactive simulations of plant operations

• Virtual plant tours and equipment demonstrations

• Technical problem-solving workshops

• Industry best practices and lessons learned

Course Materials

Participants receive:

• Comprehensive technical manual

• Performance calculation spreadsheets

• Equipment vendor documentation

• Industry standards and guidelines

• Certificate of Professional Development

Keywords: combined cycle power plant, CCGT training, gas turbine fundamentals, HRSG operation, steam turbine, power plant efficiency, combined cycle operations, natural gas power generation, heat recovery, plant optimization, power generation course