Photovoltaic reverse osmosis fogging system for improved gas turbine generation output

Abstract

Turbine output and efficiency are reduced during periods of high ambient temperature which poses a significant challenge to electricity generation. In regions that experience significant increases in the seasonal demand for power as well as rising electricity costs, gas turbine inlet cooling systems have the potential to increase the generation output power of gas turbines. Gas turbine output is inversely proportional to the ambient air temperature. With each degree that ambient air temperature rises, the power output drops between 0.54%-0.9%. The intake of a gas turbine is limited by air volume, and its output depends on the flow of mass through it. Therefore, improving the density of the inlet air to the turbine compressor leads to greater mass flow to the engine hence delivering an increased power output. Amongst the different water-based methods currently available to provide turbine inlet cooling, the fogging method is the most effective technique. Water quality plays an important roles in this technique where high quality water increases the mass flow and eliminates erosion. Therefore, the water used in fogging systems is generally demineralized through a process of reverse osmosis. Furthermore, in isolated hot areas with high levels of radiation, making use of solar energy (photovoltaic) is suitable. This paper elaborates on the development of a photovoltaic application for driving reverse osmosis demineralizer fogging for improved efficiency in gas turbine generation outputs in semi-arid regions in southern Africa.