ABSTRACT
The recent development of gas engine based heat pumps has further extended the role of gas-produced shaft power though such systems are only economically attractive where extended operation and moderate temperature differences are assured. Given efficient and cost effective methods for the generation on-site of electricity and shaft power and appropriate heat and power demands the market for gas as the primary energy source is potentially large. Gas turbine systems which better match present-day site heat-to-power ratios can prove cost effective in industries where total energy schemes have not traditionally been used. Steam turbines are therefore the main prime movers used in very large plant such as that used for the production of electricity by the Power Generating Companies and in very large factories. Since most industrial sites now have heat-to-power ratios of 4:1 or less, steam turbine based systems are therefore unlikely to present a viable total energy option.
