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Gas-turbine intercooling: effect on net work and thermal efficiency. Consider a simple gas turbine where intercooling is applied only between multistage compressors (no reheat and no recuperator). Assume the same compressor pressure ratio, the same turbine inlet temperature, and ideal intercooling to the initial compressor inlet temperature. Choose the correct combined effect on plant performance.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: increases net output but decreases thermal efficiency

Explanation:

Concept/Approach
Intercooling between compressor stages lowers the work of compression, so turbine work minus compressor work (net output) increases. However, the air then enters the combustor at a lower temperature, so for the same turbine inlet temperature more fuel (heat input) is needed and the average temperature of heat addition drops, leading to a lower thermal efficiency for a simple (unrecuperated) cycle.


Result
Net output ↑, Thermal efficiency ↓.


Final Answer
increases net output but decreases thermal efficiency.

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