Performance Improvements of a Natural Gas Injection Station Using Gas Turbine Inlet Air Cooling

Abstract

Gas Turbine (GT) performance seriously deteriorates at increased ambient temperature. This study analyses the possibility of improving GT power output and efficiency by installing a gas turbine inlet air cooling system. Different cooling systems were analyzed and preliminary cost evaluations for each system were carried out. The following three cooling systems were considered in detail: a) Traditional compression cooling system; b) Absorption single-acting cooling system using a solution of lithium bromide; c) Absorption double-acting cooling system using a solution of lithium bromide. Results clearly indicate that there is a great potential for GT performance enhancement by application of an Inlet Air Cooling (IAC). Technical and economical analyses lead to selection of a particular type of IAC for significant savings in capital outlay, operational and maintenance costs and other additional advantages.