rankine cycle
A new method of generating electricity from natural gas has been invented in Australia, it involves ceramics, and directly converts the gas to electricity, plus any heat generated can also be used to heat water as a by product. It is currently being developed for sale in Europe, with Germany one of the biggest purchasers.
http://www.cfcl.com.au/
rankine cycle -- just google it if you're not thermodynamically literate
The Brayton cycle turbine as opposed to the rankine cycle steam turbine which are less efficient. This is because gas turbines can operate at much higher temperatures.
rankine
Most fuels are burnt in a boiler to produce steam, this steam drives a turbine/generator, but natural gas can be used in a combined cyle gas turbine (like a jet engine).
is it the same as coal?
