The College of Engineering – University of Baghdad held a public defense for master’s student Saif Abdul-Razzaq Abbas from the Department of Energy Engineering on his thesis titled:
“Recycling Exhaust Gas to Enhance the Performance of a Gas Power Plant at Al-Gharraf Oilfield Using HYSYS Simulation.”
The defense took place on Monday, August 25, 2025, at the Petroleum Engineering Hall, under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Dr. Moayad Khalil Ibrahim.
Thesis Objectives:
The study aimed to evaluate how preheating fuel gas impacts the efficiency of a Combined Cycle Power Plant (CCPP), fuel consumption, and CO₂ emissions compared to a conventional Simple Cycle Power Plant (SCPP).
Methodology:
- A detailed simulation was carried out using Aspen HYSYS v14.
- The model was designed to replicate both the standard SCPP and the advanced CCPP + FGPS system under identical conditions.
- A comprehensive comparison was made across key performance indicators such as thermal efficiency, net power output, specific fuel consumption (SFC), and CO₂ emissions.
Key Recommendations:
- Transition to a Combined Cycle System (CCPP):
- Enhances production capacity and raises thermal efficiency (exceeding 50%).
- Improves operational reliability of the plant.
- Increases operational stability even during unexpected gas turbine trips (GT trips).
- Implementation of a Fuel Gas Preheating System (FGPS):
- Preheating fuel gas to around 95°C improves combustion and reduces CO₂ emissions per kWh.
- Prevents failures and shutdowns caused by cold gas inflow.
- Minimizes load instability.
Following the scientific discussion and evaluation by the defense committee, the student was granted a Master’s degree in Energy Engineering, with best wishes for continued success in his academic and professional journey.
