CT Inlet Heating Control for Increased MW Output

摘要

Combustion Turbines in Northern climates typically require an Inlet Heating System in order to prevent cold moist air from forming ice on the bellmouth or Inlet Guide Vanes (IGV). This ice forming has the potential to cause damage ultimately leading to an imbalance that could cause catastrophic failure. Manufacturers typically require an inlet air temperature of 40deg. F in order to insure that no ice will form. This paper will describe a method of reducing Inlet air temperature below the 40 deg. setpoint yet still prevent icing by removing sufficient moisture such that ice will not form. The benefits are two-fold. First; energy can be saved by reducing the heating burden on the Inlet Heating System. More importantly, Cold weather CT output can be increased an average of 10% due to the intercooler effect of lowered Inlet air Temperature causing increased air density.