Optimizing gas turbine performance with precise humidity measurements0 pages

Optimizing gas turbine performance with
precise humidity measurements
Ensuring gas turbines run at maximum efficiency is a primary goal for operators. In the current
economic climate, anything that increases productivity, and hence profit, is clearly welcome.
From an environmental point of view, it is also important that turbines run as efficiently – and
produce as few emissions – as possible. Fortunately, there are several ways to improve gas
turbine output. Controlling the humidity and temperature of air entering the combustion inlet
is one of the most important, as it has a direct effect on the turbine’s efficiency, emissions, and
operational reliability.
/ APPLICATION NOTE
Cooler, denser air
increases output and
efficiency
In terms of gas turbine efficiency, the
effect of air density is well known:
denser intake air increases mass
flow rate, which consequently results
in improved turbine output and
efficiency. Air density is inversely
proportional to temperature,
meaning that rising temperatures
decrease air density and therefore
reduce gas turbine efficiency
and power.
Inlet-air cooling, especially in warm
and hot environments, is commonly
used to compensate for the efficiency
loss caused by high air temperature.
Even a small reduction in air
temperature can lead to a significant
increase in power output. A 1°C
reduction in air temperature can
increase output by up to 0.5%.
There are several techniques that are
used to cool intake air. A common
solution is a fogger, a system that
injects water into the airflow through
nozzles, causing the air to cool as the
water droplets evaporate.