The present paper discusses gas turbine operating ranges of values of controlling cycle parameters for maximum first law efficiency , second law efficiency II, and work output wnet. Three cycles have been studied: simple cycle, recuperative cycle and general open cycle. Correlation equations relating maximum values of I, II and wnet to controlling parameters (compressor and turbine efficiencies, maximum cycle temperature, isentropic temperature ratio, fuel/air ratio, heat exchanger effectiveness and pressure drops in combustion chamber and heat exchanger) have been determined and discussed. The present paper reveals that cycle performance parameters I , II and wnet…. drastically depend on cycle controlling parameters. There is no narrow region of values of controlling parameters that produce concurrent maximum values of I , II and wnet . The maximum cycle temperature for the three cycles considered has a linear effect on I. , while other controlling parameters have nonlinear effects on I , II and wnet. For the general open cycle, the pressure drops Pcc and Pex have equal decreasing effects on I , II and wnet., while, both the fuel/air ratio f and heat exchanger effectiveness X have equal increasing effect on these performance parameters. The present correlation equations, augmented with other experimental and detailed design studies for each of the cycle units could provide good basis for the realistic design process of actual turbines.

The present work deals with one of the new techniques of saline water desalination. It is based on the humidification of ambient air and then dehumidification of this humid air to produce fresh water. Solar ponds as a source of hot saline water are well adapted for coupling with the unit. A computer programs were designed to investigate the performance characteristics at different operating conditions. The important design descriptions and the operating parameters of such units are identified. The effects of the operating parameters on the unit performance characteristics are studied. The productivities obtained from simple and modified models are qualitatively compared with the experimental values. Due to the simplicity of this technique, it may be a good candidate and is recommended if one looks for a solution for fresh water needs of small communities living in rural areas.