Gas Turbine Air Inlet Cooling
Increase Power Generation Capacity
SoniCool Gas Turbine Cooling is a simple method of augmenting the power output of a gas turbine. It utilizes a narrow distribution of finely atomized droplets to provide “instant” evaporative cooling to humidify and increase the density of the gases entering the GT - without free droplet carryover that can cause damage to the turbine blades. The increased density improves the efficiency of the gas turbine by improving the mass throughput and can result in output increases of more than 20%.
The SoniCool system consists of an array of atomizing nozzle manifolds, controlled according to ambient conditions and to wetness sensor readings. The compressed air required for the operation of the system can be supplied from the self-cleaning air filter system of the GT.
SoniCool Gas Turbine Cooling has demonstrated proven reliability for more than 5 years in utility gas turbine power generating applications.
SoniCool derives the largest benefit during daytime peak demand when ambient conditions are most favorable to evaporative cooling-based power augmentation.
Advantages of SoniCool
- Narrow distribution of small droplets provides full evaporation (up to 98% relative humidity) without carryover, which can cause turbine blade erosion
- Low pressure operation reduces system wear and maintenance
- Large orifice prevents clogging
- Automatic operation: Immediate start-up/shutdown
- Low maintenance
- Low investment and O&M costs. Payback period typically < 1 year
- Low spare parts requirement
- No pump/air compressor required
- Simple piping and fittings
- The atomizing nozzles have no wear parts that can break off to potentially damage GT
- Use normal potable water instead of demineralized water when nozzles are installed ahead of an air filter
- On-line wetness sensor provides control and safety functions
- Reliable
Applications
- Base load
- Peak cycling
- Greenfield
- Retrofit
- Wet compression applications
