Life cycle cost considerations for gas turbine inlet filtration systems

摘要

Procurement decisions for gas turbine inlet air filtration system and replacement filters are often based solely on their initial price. The long term impact this decision may have on the performance, and thus profitability of a gas turbine operation is not considered. For new projects this is practically true where there is a clear incentive to minimize project cost. The performance of an inlet air filtration system has a large effect on the operating cost and power output of a gas turbine. These effects are due to the parasitic loss because of filter pressure drop and performance degradation of compressor fouling; which is directly related to the efficiency rating of the filters. The paper will have a brief introduction of life cycle cost analysis (LCC). Key parameters and assumptions required for a gas turbine air filter LCC analysis will be discussed. Include in the parameter review is the value of fuel and power of the turbine, and the size, cost, pressure drop and efficiency of the filter system. Assumptions discussed include the relationship of filter efficiency and compressor fouling. Several LCC analyses of alternate filtration systems will be summarized. This summary will show that there is an optimized filtration system for a given set of conditions. An LCC analysis provides a tool for the specification and procurement of a gas turbine inlet system. It will show that minimum specification and lowest initial cost may not be in the best long term economic interest of gas turbine operator.