Natural gas power plant model

Natural gas power plant model#

The natural gas power plant model simulates electricity generation from natural gas combustion, suitable for both natural gas combustion turbines (NGCT) and natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) plants. The model calculates electricity output based on natural gas input and plant heat rate, along with comprehensive cost modeling that includes capital expenses, operating expenses, and fuel costs.

To use this model, specify "natural_gas_performance" as the performance model and "natural_gas_cost" as the cost model.

Performance Parameters#

The performance model requires the following parameter:

  • heat_rate (required): Heat rate of the natural gas plant in MMBtu/MWh. This represents the amount of fuel energy required to produce one MWh of electricity. Lower values indicate higher efficiency. Typical values:

    • NGCC (Combined Cycle): 6-8 MMBtu/MWh (high efficiency)

    • NGCT (Combustion Turbine): 10-14 MMBtu/MWh (lower efficiency, faster response)

The model implements the relationship:

\[ \text{Electricity Output (MW)} = \frac{\text{Natural Gas Input (MMBtu/h)}}{\text{Heat Rate (MMBtu/MWh)}} \]

Cost Parameters#

The cost model calculates capital and operating costs based on the following parameters:

  • capex (required): Capital cost per unit capacity in $/kW. This includes all equipment, installation, and construction costs. Typical values:

    • NGCT: 600-2000 $/kW (lower capital cost)

    • NGCC: 800-2400 $/kW (higher capital cost)

  • fopex (required): Fixed operating expenses per unit capacity in $/kW/year. This includes fixed O&M costs that don't vary with generation. Typical values: 5-15 $/kW/year

  • vopex (required): Variable operating expenses per unit generation in $/MWh. This includes variable O&M costs that scale with electricity generation. Typical values: 1-5 $/MWh

  • heat_rate (required): Heat rate in MMBtu/MWh, used for fuel cost calculations.

  • ng_price (required): Natural gas price in $/MMBtu. Can be a numeric value for fixed price or "variable" string to indicate external price management.

  • project_life (optional): Project lifetime in years for cost calculations. Default is 30 years, typical for power plants.

  • cost_year (required): Dollar year corresponding to input costs.

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