Method to integrate regenerative rankine cycle into combined cycle applications

A method to generate reheated steam utilizing a separately fired heating element in a regenerative Rankine cycle used in conjunction with a combined cycle, the method comprising of:

• Partially expanded steam from the high pressure turbine exhaust is sent to an independent fired heating element to boost said steam to a temperature that is compatible with the hot reheat steam produced by the heat recovery steam generator for mixing with total mix directed to the intermediate pressure turbine inlet;
• a duct burner to provide for the necessary enthalpy into the separately fired heating element to reheat the steam is placed downstream of the combustion turbine inside the combustion turbine exhaust ducting.

A method for generating electric power that incorporates the use of a regenerative Rankine cycle with a combined cycle, the method comprising the steps of:

• Bifurcating the condensate from a condenser into two or more separate condensate feed streams whereby the condensate in at least one condensate feed stream is pressurized to feedwater and sent directly to a heat recovery steam generator and the condensate in at least one condensate feed stream is pressurized to feedwater and sent to at least one separately fired heating element first being preheated by a one or more feedwater heaters utilizing cold reheat steam from a non-extraction turbine;
• generating steam in at least one separately fired heating element and transferring the steam to a non-extraction steam turbine;
• converting the steam into electricity through the use of a non-extraction steam turbine and generator.