A process is disclosed for producing mechanical energy or electric power from chemical energy contained in a fuel, utilizing a combustion turbine. The compressed air which is used for combustion of the fuel to drive the turbine is humidified prior to combustion to replace some or all of the thermal diluent air with water vapor. Humidification is effected with the water at a temperature below its boiling point at the operating pressure. The compressed air is cooled prior to humidification by passing in heat exchange relationship with the water used for humidification. This process provides a significant improvement in thermal efficiency, compared to combined cycle, steam injected cycle and intercooled regenerative cycle processes. Additionally, the entire steam cycle of a combined cycle process is eliminated, including the steam turbine generator, steam drums, surface condenser and cooling towers.
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