Effects of Compressor Blade Profile Change on Thermo-economic Performance of Gas Turbine

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of variations in compressor blade profile on the thermo-economic performance of gas turbines. The compressor's thermo-economic performance was determined using data obtained from the power plant. The method used for the analysis was simplifying the compressor, combustion chamber, and turbine into control volumes. Each flow was analyzed based on exergy, economic, and exergy cost principles. As 1 was increased, rotor blade deflection and diffusion were reduced while outlet velocity, stage efficiency, and pressure ratio increased. Pressure ratio increased by up to 20 percent when 1 increased by 10 and decreased by 7.5 percent when  2 increased by 10 . Equipment cost, annualized cost and total capital investment, operation, and maintenance cost increased by 27.68 percent, 27.31 percent, and 22.86 percent as 1 increased by 10 while equipment cost, annualized cost and total capital investment, operation, and maintenance cost increased by 12.44 percent, 12.12 percent, and 12.45 percent as  2 decreased by as much as 10 . Cost of exergy destruction, average unit cost of exergy input and average unit cost of exergy output increase by 2.64 percent, 2.62 percent, and 4.65 percent as 1 increase by 10 . It was recommended that the gas turbine filtration system be improved to suit the harsh environmental conditions of the area to reduce the amount of foulants on compressor blades. This will increase compressor life expectancy and efficiency, save operating and maintenance costs, and increase the reliability of the gas turbine to deliver maximum power. Furthermore, the research findings could serve as a useful reference for designers in selecting a reasonable compressor blade angle.