No 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.