A review of gas turbine inlet cooling technologies

Abstract

Gas turbine (GT) performance is primarily dependent on the inlet air temperature. The power output of gas turbine is dependent on the flow of mass through the gas turbine. This is why at hot weathers with less dense air, the power output drops, but at cold weather with high dense air, the power output rises. The inlet air cooling (IAC) technology is one of the major drivers that enhance the gas turbine performance, especially during the hot weathers. The performance of gas turbine is affected by various factors such as inlet air cooling, fuel type, fuel heating value, air temperature, turbine inlet temperature, humidity, site elevation, inlet and exhaust losses, air extraction, diluent injection, performance degradation, etc. The aim of this technical review is based on the comparative analysis of different gas turbine inlet air cooling (GTIAC) technologies and its applications based on the climate conditions. The power consumption due to inlet air cooling calls for major concern since it reduces the GT net power output. Different GTIAC has its unique benefits and challenges. The biggest gains from evaporative cooling are achieved during hot, low-humidity climates. Furthermore, the review paper showed that the efficiency of the evaporative cooler is majorly dependent on the moisture present in the air. The work also reveals that the feasibility of each GTIAC application is basically dependent on the location.