Part-Load Simulation of Combined Cycle and Gas Turbine Power Plants Using DWSIM
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14500/aro.12620Keywords:
Combined cycle, DWSIM, Gas turbine, Part-load operation, Plant loadAbstract
In Iraq, combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) systems are the only and main process for power generation (electricity). Due to its importance and significance, accurate simulation is crucial for evaluating the process performance under different operation conditions. In this study, DWSIM software, open-source simulation tool, was used for modeling and assessing CCGT performance during part-load circumstances. This software used for its reliability in capturing operational behavior. The methodology consists of simulating CCGT response under the variation of the power by integrating part-load performance equations into DWSIM software. Generally, two cases included in this work; the first case covered a DWSIM simulation during part-load operation using data from previously published works that used Aspen HYSYS. On the other hand, the second case included performing a DWISM simulation using real filed data. The results gained were validated by comparing it with Aspen HYSYS simulation. The comparison between DWSIM and HYSYS showed a 3.8% variation in power generation, a close match in fuel flow, and a maximum variation of 4.36% in gas turbine efficiency. The findings of this work confirm that the DWSIM software is flexible, free, and reliable simulation tool for evaluating CCGT power plant’s performance and operation. In addition, this work presented that this software is suitable for use in both industrial and academic applications due to its performance compared to that of commercial simulators.
Downloads
References
Ali Motamed, M., Genrup, M., and Nord, L.O., 2024. Part-load thermal efficiency enhancement in gas turbine combined cycles by exhaust gas recirculation. Applied Thermal Engineering, 244, p.122716.
Asadi, R., Assareh, E., Moltames, R., Olazar, M., Nedaei, M., and Parvaz, F., 2022. Optimisation of combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) systems incorporating the solar and geothermal energy: A review study. International Journal of Ambient Energy, 43(1), pp.42-60.
Bass, R.J., Malalasekera, W., Willmot, P., and Versteeg, H.K., 2011. The impact of variable demand upon the performance of a combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant. Energy, 36(4), pp.1956-1965.
Boles, M., and Cengel, Y., 2014. An Engineering Approach. McGraw-Hill Education, New York.
Boyaghchi, F.A., Chavoshi, M., and Sabeti, V., 2015. Optimization of a novel combined cooling, heating and power cycle driven by geothermal and solar energies using the water/CuO (copper oxide) nanofluid. Energy, 91, pp.685-699.
Can Gülen, S., and Kim, K., 2014. Gas turbine combined cycle dynamic simulation: A physics based simple approach. Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power, 136(1), p.011601.
Csendes, V.F., Egedy, A., Leveneur, S., and Kummer, A., 2023. Application of multi-software engineering: A review and a kinetic parameter identification case study. Processes, 11(5), p.1503.
Dev, N., Samsher, Kachhwaha, S.S., and Mohit., 2012. Mathematical modeling and computer simulation of a combined cycle power plant. In: Deep, K., Nagar, A., Pant, M., Bansal, J. (eds) Proceedings of the International Conference on Soft Computing for Problem Solving (SocProS 2011) December 20-22, 2011. Advances in Intelligent and Soft Computing. Vol. 131. Springer, New Delhi.
Diddi, S., and Panda, S., 2024. Implementing Simulation Software to Develop Virtual Experiments in Undergraduate Chemical Engineering Education. Qeios. Available from: https://doi.org/10.32388/M3SNIJ [Last accessed on 2026 Jan 05].
Emenike, O.E., Anyaoha, C., and Okoroigwe, E.C., 2025. Energy analysis and optimization of open cycle gas turbine power plant through exhaust heat recovery. NIPES-Journal of Science and Technology Research, 7(3), pp.195-212.
Encabo Caceres, I., Mocholí Montañés, R., and Nord, L.O., 2018. Flexible operation of combined cycle gas turbine power plants with supplementary firing. Journal of Power Technologies, 98(9), pp.188-197.
Glazar, V., Mrzljak, V., and Gubic, T., 2019. Thermodynamic analysis of combined cycle power plant. In: 14th International Conference Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics. pp.341-355.
Hashim, S.A., Hasan, M.R., and Al Jubori, A.M., 2025. Performance evaluation of a combined gas turbine power cycle and absorption chiller in design and off design operation under different control strategies. Engineering, Technology and Applied Science Research, 15(4), pp.24226-24235.
Hassan, T.N., and Manji, S.T., 2023. Simulating combined cycle and gas turbine power plant under design condition using open-source software DWSIM: A comparative study. ARO-The Scientific Journal of Koya University, 11(1), pp.60-71.
Hussein, H.M.M., and İbrahim, S.A.A.S., 2024. Thermodynamic and Thermoeconomic Optimization of Combined Cycle Gas Turbine Power Plants for Enhanced Efficiency. In: 2024 8th International Symposium on Multidisciplinary Studies and Innovative Technologies (ISMSIT). pp1-13.
Ibrahim, T.K., Kamil, M., Awad, O.I., Rahman, M.M., Najafi, G., Basrawi, F., Abd Alla, A.N., and Mamat, R., 2017. The optimum performance of the combined cycle power plant: A comprehensive review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 79, pp.459-474.
Ibrahim, T.K., and Rahman, M.M., 2015. Optimum performance improvements of the combined cycle based on an intercooler–reheated gas turbine. Journal of Energy Resources Technology, 137(6), p.061601.
Jeffs, E., 2008. Generating Power at High Efficiency: Combined Cycle Technology for Sustainable Energy Production. Elsevier, Amsterdam.
Khan, M.S., Xuebing, P., Yuntao, S., Bin, G., and Imran, M., 2024. An optimization of efficient combined cycle power generation system for fusion power reactor. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, 57, p.104344.
Kong, Z.Y., Omar, A.A., Lau, S.L., and Sunarso, J., 2024. Introducing process simulation as an alternative to laboratory session in undergraduate chemical engineering thermodynamics course: A case study from Sunway University Malaysia. Digital Chemical Engineering, 12, p.100167.
Leisen, R., Radek, J., and Weber, C., 2024. Modeling combined-cycle power plants in a detailed electricity market model. Energy, 298, p.131246.
Li, D., Hu, Y., He, W., and Wang, J., 2017. Dynamic modelling and simulation of a combined-cycle power plant integration with thermal energy storage. In: 2017 23rd International Conference on Automation and Computing (ICAC). pp.1-6.
Liu, Z., and Karimi, I.A., 2018a. Simulating combined cycle gas turbine power plants in Aspen HYSYS. Energy Conversion and Management, 171, pp.1213-1225.
Liu, Z., and Karimi, I.A., 2018b. Simulation and optimization of a combined cycle gas turbine power plant under part-load operation. Computer Aided Chemical Engineering, 44, pp.2401-2406.
Lu, N., Pan, L., Pedersen, S., Zhang, D., and Arabkoohsar, A., 2024. A complete dynamic modeling of two-by-one gas-steam combined cycle unit for coordinated control design. Applied Thermal Engineering, 253, p.123766.
Meegahapola, L., and Flynn, D., 2014. Gas turbine modelling for power system dynamic simulation studies. In: Gonzalez-Longatt, F.M., and Luis Rueda, J., (Eds.), Power Factory Applications for Power System Analysis. Springer International Publishing, Berlin. pp.175-195.
Najjar, Y.S.H., and Akyurt, M., 1994. Combined cycles with gas turbine engines. Heat Recovery Systems and CHP, 14(2), pp.93-103.
Ohanu, C.P., Rufai, S.A., and Oluchi, U.C., 2024. A comprehensive review of recent developments in smart grid through renewable energy resources integration. Heliyon, 10(3), e25705.
Pal, S.K., Laukkanen, T., Saeed, L., Järvinen, M., and Karlsson, V., 2015. Simulation and analysis of a combined cycle heat and power plant process. International Journal of Sustainable Engineering, 8(4-5), pp.268-279.
Pan, M., Aziz, F., Li, B., Perry, S., Zhang, N., Bulatov, I., and Smith, R., 2016. Application of optimal design methodologies in retrofitting natural gas combined cycle power plants with CO2 capture. Applied Energy, 161, pp.695-706.
Pattanayak, L., Padhi, B.N., and Gajjar, H., 2021. Thermodynamic Modeling and Performance Simulation of Combined Cycle Power Plant Under Design and Off-Design Condition. In: Gas Turbine India Conference, 85536, V001T12A001.
Ravelli, S., 2025. The role of part-load control strategies in optimizing the efficiency of a decarbonized combined cycle power plant in load-following mode. Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power, 147(12), p.121002.
Sadeghi, S., and Ahmadi, P., 2021. Thermo-economic optimization of a high performance CCHP system integrated with compressed air energy storage (CAES) and carbon dioxide ejector cooling system. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, 45, p.101112.
Sarathy, J.V., 2021. Gas compression stages-design and optimization. Engineering Practice Magazine, 8(24), pp.15-18.
Sulaymaniyah CCGT Power Plant., 2022. Sulaymaniyah Combine Cycle PowerPlant. Mass Company, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq.
Talah, D., Bentarzi, H., and Mangola, G., 2023. Modeling and simulation of an operating gas turbine using Modelica language. Revue Roumaine Des Sciences Techniques-Série Électrotechnique Et Énergétique, 68(1), pp.102-107.
Xezonakis, V., Samuel, O.D., and Enweremadu, C.C., 2024. Modelling and output power estimation of a combined gas plant and a combined cycle plant using an artificial neural network approach. Journal of Engineering, 2024(1), p.5540010.
Xie, Q., Wu, H., and Deng, L.P., 2024. Improving part-load performance of combined-cycle gas turbines by optimizing variable geometry control strategy for compressor and power turbine combined adjustment. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part A: Journal of Power and Energy, 238(7), pp.1197-1212.
Xu, Q., Li, X., Yu, J., Wang, S., Luo, K., and Fan, J., 2024. Optimization of parameters and thermodynamics of gasification process for enhanced CO2 capture in an IGCC system. Energy, 304, p.131853.
Zabre, E., Roldan-Villasana, E.J., Romero-Jiménez, G., and Cruz, R., 2009. World Congress on Engineering and Computer Science: WCECS 2009.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Twana N. Hassan, Saif T. Manji, Ahmed A. Maaroof
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Authors who choose to publish their work with Aro agree to the following terms:
-
Authors retain the copyright to their work and grant the journal the right of first publication. The work is simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License [CC BY-NC-SA 4.0]. This license allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
-
Authors have the freedom to enter into separate agreements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work. This includes options such as posting it to an institutional repository or publishing it in a book, as long as proper acknowledgement is given to its initial publication in this journal.
-
Authors are encouraged to share and post their work online, including in institutional repositories or on their personal websites, both prior to and during the submission process. This practice can lead to productive exchanges and increase the visibility and citation of the published work.
By agreeing to these terms, authors acknowledge the importance of open access and the benefits it brings to the scholarly community.
Accepted 2026-05-11
Published 2026-06-14
ARO Journal is a scientific, peer-reviewed, periodical, and diamond OAJ that has no APC or ASC.