Dear Colleagues,

Gas turbines play a pivotal role in both power generation and propulsion, serving as a versatile and efficient means of producing energy and enabling various forms of transportation. Their significance extends to addressing pressing global challenges such as decarbonization and combating climate change. In this context, the need for better gas turbine performance and power plant optimization is paramount to align with decarbonization goals. Moreover, the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources presents both challenges and opportunities for gas turbine technology, necessitating innovative solutions for optimization. The future advancements in this area hold promise for achieving decarbonization targets. Energy storage systems such as batteries can store excess renewable energy during periods of high production and discharge when needed. This can reduce the reliance on gas turbines for peaking power. Additionally, advanced control systems and predictive analytics can help operators better anticipate and respond to fluctuations in renewable energy output, optimizing the gas turbine's operation.

Going forward, several future advancements are expected in the field of gas turbine performance and power plant optimization to meet decarbonization goals. For this Special Issue, we invite submissions of papers related to gas turbine performance and power plant optimization in general; potential topics for papers include (but are not limited to) those mentioned below:

• Fuel Flexibility: Transitioning from natural gas to hydrogen/ammonia as a fuel source for gas turbines can significantly reduce carbon emissions;
• Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Developing more efficient CCS technologies can capture and store carbon dioxide emissions from gas turbines, further reducing their environmental impact;
• Advanced Materials: The use of advanced materials such as ceramics and composites can enhance gas turbine efficiency and durability;
• Cogeneration: Combined heat and power (CHP) systems can maximize the use of waste heat from gas turbines, increasing overall energy efficiency;
• Digital Twin- and Simulation-Driven Optimization using Physics- and Data-Driven methods (CFD/AI/ML): AI-driven optimization algorithms can continuously adjust gas turbine operation in response to changing renewable energy inputs and demand patterns. Prognostics and Health Management (PHM). Multiscale and Multiphysics Simulations;
• Integrated Energy Systems with Gas Turbines: Combining gas turbines with other renewable energy sources can create more sustainable and reliable power generation solutions;
• Grid Integration: Developing smart grid technologies and grid-scale energy storage can improve the overall stability and reliability of power systems with intermittent renewables and gas turbines.

Dr. Veeraraghava Hasti
Dr. Reetesh Ranjan
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• gas turbine efficiency
• decarbonization
• renewable energy integration
• carbon capture and storage
• hydrogen and ammonia fuels
• advanced materials
• combined heat and power (CHP)
• digital twin- and simulation-driven optimization
• artificial intelligence
• grid integration
• hybrid energy systems