Advancements in gas-fired generation are allowing high efficiency and flexible operation of duct-fired plants for the first time. Conventional duct-firing in combined-cycle power plants is slow to respond to fast load changes. For highly duct-fired plants, conventional technology can reduce unfired efficiency. New technologies now enable fast starting and load changing capability for duct-fired, combined-cycle plants, and the ability to achieve high unfired efficiency even in highly duct-fired plants. These capabilities are achieved by combining new technologies, including a fast duct firing system, with modifications to the steam cycle that result in increased efficiency during non-duct fired operation. A plant utilizing these technologies can increase revenue by being flexible enough to support rapid load changes and efficient enough to save fuel and reduce emissions. Technologies such as these also provide other technical advantages that increase plant dispatch rate.
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