A filterless gas intake system, in particular as a pre-filter for a gas turbine

Abstract

A filterless gas intake system is disclosed. The system comprises a gas passage configured to receive an intake gas flow, the gas passage including an inlet opening, an outlet opening and a lateral wall and one or more separation elements (10), arranged within the gas passage and extending along a direction from one side of the lateral wall to the opposite side, the separation element (10) comprising: a body (11) with at least one concave surface (12) of an electrically conductive material, connected to an earth grounding (13), a leading edge (14), facing the inlet opening of the gas passage and a trailing edge (15) facing the outlet opening of the gas passage; and at least one electrode (16) arranged in front of the at least one concave surface (12) and connected to an electrostatic generator.

Description

A filterless gas intake system, in particular as a pre-filter for a gas turbineDescriptionTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure concerns a filterless gas intake system, specifically designed for the air intake of a gas turbine, which uses a combination of electrostatic and inertial separation elements to remove solid and liquid pollutants from the intake gas.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In the field of gas intake systems, particularly for gas turbines, a common challenge is the need for frequent replacement of filter cartridges. These cartridges are used to remove solid and liquid pollutants from the intake gas, ensuring the efficient operation of the turbine. However, these filters can become clogged over time, which not only necessitates their replacement but also adversely affects the performance and availability of the turbine. Furthermore, the frequency of filter replacement can vary depending on ambient conditions, adding an element of unpredictability to the maintenance schedule. This issue is further compounded by the fact that different sizes of particles require different types of filters, adding to the complexity and cost of the system. Additionally, the presence of humidity can interfere with the operation of the filters, further reducing their effectiveness.

[0003] Accordingly, an improved system and method for filtering a gas intake to address the issues of clogging and decreasing efficiency of the systems of the current art would be beneficial and would be welcomed in the technology.SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to a filterless gas intake system. The system comprises a plurality of separation elements, operating simultaneously as electrostatic and inertial separation elements and forming a pollutantcapturing surface configured to effectively remove one or more solid and liquid contaminants from an incoming gas. An electrostatic generator is configured to impart an electric charge to the plurality of separation elements for separating contaminants. The system also includes a pathway for gas flow configured to accept the incoming gas circulation, and a plurality of separation elements for separating contaminants arranged within the pathway for gas flow and extending across a main axis. One or more movement components are configured to cause rotation and / or shift of the plurality of separation elements and / or part of the separation elements for separating contaminants around at least one pivoting axis.

[0005] In another aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein concerns a method for separating solid or liquid contaminants from a flow of gas. The method involves providing the filterless gas intake system as described above, and imparting an electric charge to the plurality of separation elements for separating contaminants while a flow of gas is circulated through the filterless gas intake system.

[0006] In another aspect, disclosed herein is a method for cleaning a filterless gas intake system as previously described, the method comprising imparting to the plurality of separation elements an electrical charge inverse to the electrical charge applied for separating solid or liquid pollutants from the gas stream; and / or vibrating the separation elements.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] A more complete appreciation of the disclosed embodiments of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:Fig.l illustrates a schematic section view of a separation element of a filterless gas intake system according to a first embodiment;Fig.2 illustrates a schematic section view of a plurality of separation elements according to a second embodiment;Fig.3 illustrates a schematic section view of a plurality of separation elements according to a third embodiment;Fig.4 illustrates a schematic section view of a plurality of separation elements according to a fourth embodiment;Fig.5 illustrates a schematic section view of a plurality of separation elements according to a fifth embodiment;Fig.6 illustrates a schematic section view of a plurality of separation elements according to a sixth embodiment;Fig.7 illustrates a schematic section view of a plurality of separation elements according to a seventh embodiment;Fig.8 illustrates a schematic section view of a plurality of separation elements according to a eighth embodiment;Fig.9 illustrates a schematic section view of a plurality of separation elements according to a ninth embodiment;Fig.10a, 10b, 10c illustrates three different configurations of the separation elements of Fig.9.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0008] According to one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to systems and methods for removing solid and liquid pollutants from the intake gas of a gas turbine, to ensure the efficient operation of the turbine.

[0009] According to a more general aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to systems and methods for filtering a stream of a gas in order to remove solid and liquid pollutants without making use of filters.

[0010] According to one aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to a filterless gas intake system, which comprises a gas passage configured to receive an intake gas flow and at least one separation element, arranged within the gas passage and comprising a body with at least one concave surface of an electrically conductive material and at least one electrode arranged in front of the at least one concave surface and connected to an electrostatic generator. The concave surface can be an angled surface (with an angle between two or more plane surfaces) or a curved surface, including but not limited to a circular crown arc, a S-shaped profile or an aerodynamic profile. The concave surface can also have a mixed geometry, including curved surfaces and angled surfaces.

[0011] According to another aspect, the system comprises a plurality of separation elements. In particular, the separation elements extend along respective directions parallel to each other in one or more planes parallel to the cross section of the gas passage and / or along respective directions parallel to each other in one or more planes orthogonal to the cross section of the gas passage. The separation elements can be alternated with adjacent non-conductive elements, which cooperate with the separation elements by deviating the gas flow and / or supporting the electrode.

[0012] Moreover, according to still another aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to a method for separating solid or liquid pollutants from a gas intake, the process comprising the steps of providing a filterless gas intake system according to the preceding paragraphs and applying an electrical charge to the electrodes while a gas stream is flown through the filterless gas intake system.

[0013] Still according to another aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to a method for cleaning a filterless gas intake system according to the preceding paragraphs, by applying to the electrodes an electrical charge inverse to the electrical charge applied for separating solid or liquid pollutants from the gas stream; and / or vibrating and / or blowing off and / or scrubbing at least the concave surface of the body of the separation elements.

[0014] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the disclosure, not limitation of the disclosure. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “some embodiments” means that the particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter disclosed. Thus, the appearance of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” or “in some embodiments” in various places throughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment(s). Further, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0015] When introducing elements of various embodiments the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0016] Referring now to the drawings, Fig.1 shows a schematic of an exemplary separation element of a filterless gas intake system according to the present disclosure. In particular, the separation element, referred to with the reference number 10, is configured to be arranged within a gas passage, exemplarily a rectangular or square passage with an inlet, an outlet and a lateral wall, and the separation element comprises a body 11 with a concave surface 12, made of an electrically conductive material and connected to an earth grounding 13. The body 11 comprises a leading edge 14, facing the inlet opening of the gas passage and a trailing edge 15 facing the outlet opening of the gas passage. An electrode 16 is arranged in front of the concave surface 12. The electrode is connected to an electrostatic generator. The concave surface 12 is a curved surface. Nevertheless, the concave surface can have different shapes. In particular, the concave surface can be an angled surface (with an angle between two or more plane surfaces) or can have a mixed geometry, including curved surfaces and angled surfaces.

[0017] The system operates as follows. When a stream of a gas flows over the concave surface 12, an electrostatic charge is provided to the electrode 16 and an electric field is generated between the electrode 16 and the electrically conductive material of the concave surface 12. Due to the electric field and the concave form of the concave surface 12, the separation element 10 operates both as an electrostatic and inertial separation element, forming a pollutant capturing surface configured to effectively remove one or more solid and liquid contaminants from the gas flowing over the concave surface 12. The solid and / or liquid pollutants are captured on the concave surface 12 until the system is stopped and the surface of the separation elements 10 is cleaned, as disclosed herein below. The electrode 16 is configured to apply a non constant or pulsed or vibrated charge.

[0018] While in the schematic of Fig.1 described so far the separation element 10 is only arranged together with a single electrode 16, according to alternative embodiments a plurality of separation elements 10 can be arranged parallel to each other inone or more planes parallel to the cross section of the gas passage and / or in one or more planes orthogonal to the cross section of the gas passage. In particular, the separation elements extend along a not horizontal direction, preferably a direction forming an angle greater than 30° with respect to the horizontal and more preferably along a vertical direction.

[0019] With continuing reference to Fig. 1, a plurality of parallel separation elements 10 is shown in Fig. 2. The same reference numbers designate the same or corresponding parts, elements or components already illustrated in Fig. 1 and described above, and which will not be described again. The separation elements 10 are arranged parallel to each other in a plane parallel to the cross section of the gas passage and the body 11 of each separation element 10 supports an electrode 16 of an adjacent separation element 10. In particular, the electrode 16 is arranged on a side of the body 11 of the separation element 10 which is opposed to the side of the concave surface 12. In order to isolate the electrode 16 from the electric material of the concave surface 12, the body 11 of the separation element 10 is made of a dielectric material.

[0020] According to the embodiment of Fig. 2, the body 11 of each separation element 10 is arranged on a pivoting axis 20 allowing the rotation of the body 11 when needed. In fact, during maintenance and cleaning of the filterless gas intake system of the present disclosure, by rotating the body 11 of the separation elements 10 around the respective pivoting axes 20, the leading edge 14 or the trailing edge 15 contact the body of an adjacent separation element, closing the passage so that pollutants that are removed from the separation elements 10 are prevented from entering the gas turbine.

[0021] In particular, cleaning of the filterless gas intake system according to the preceding disclosure can be obtained through: applying to the electrodes 16 an electrical charge inverse to the electrical charge applied for separating solid or liquid pollutants from the gas stream; and / or vibrating and / or blowing off and / or scrubbing at least the concave surface 12 of the body 11 of the separation elements 10.

[0022] One or more movement components are configured to cause rotation and / or shift of the plurality of separation elements 10 around the respective pivoting axis 10.In particular, some or all of separation elements 10 can be connected to a common actuator through a common rod.

[0023] With continuing reference to Figs. 1 and 2, further embodiments of separation elements 10 according to the present disclosure are shown in Fig.3 and 4. The same reference numbers designate the same or corresponding parts, elements or components already illustrated in Figs.1 and 2 and described above, and which will not be described again. In particular, both according to Fig.3 and 4, a plurality of separation elements 10 is arranged parallel to each other both in a plane parallel to the cross section of the gas passage and in a plane orthogonal to the cross section of the gas passage. The trailing edge 15 of the body 11 of each separation element 10 is contacted with the leading edge 14 ofthe body 11 of an adjacent separation element 10 on aplane orthogonal to the cross section of the gas passage. This configuration allows for a longer path of the gas through the separation elements 10, which increases the separation of solid or liquid pollutants from the gas flow. The cross section of the body 11 of the separations elements 10 of Fig.3 is different from the cross section of the body 11 of the separations elements 10 of Fig.4. In particular, the shape of the cross section of the body 11 of the separations elements 10 of Fig.3 is that of a circular crown arc, while the shape of the cross section of the body 11 of the separations elements 10 of Fig.4 is that of a section of a circle. In general, the shape of the cross section of the body 11 of the separations elements 10 can be chosen amongst circular crown arcs, S-shaped or aerodynamic profiles, such as for example but not exclusively profiles with a camber line chosen amongst Besier, Nurbs, smooth shape or polygonal curves, and / or with a thickness distribution chosen amongst NACA profiles, symmetric or asymmetric.

[0024] With continuing reference to Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4, a further embodiment of an arrangement of separation elements 10 according to the present disclosure is shown in Fig. 5. The same reference numbers designate the same or corresponding parts, elements or components already illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4 and described above, and which will not be described again. According to Fig. 5, a filterless gas intake system comprises a plurality of separation elements 10 alternated with adjacent elements 18, both in a plane parallel to the cross section of the gas passage and in a plane orthogonal to the cross section of the gas passage. Each adjacent element 18 comprises a body 17 that supports the electrode 16 of the adjacent separation element 10 along the plane parallel to the cross section of the gas passage and comprises a concave surface 19arranged on an opposite side of the body 17 of the adjacent element 18 with respect to the electrode 16. Both the body 17 and the concave surface 19 of the adjacent element 18 can be made of a dielectric material. In particular, according to this configuration, in order to allow each path defined between the separation elements 10 and the adjacent elements 18 to apply the same electric field on the gas flowing along the path, the sequence of separation elements 10 and adjacent elements 18 along the plane orthogonal to the cross section of the gas passage is comprised of modules composed by two alternating elements, alternatively a separation element 10 and an adjacent element 18 or an adjacent element 18 and a separation element 10, with the respective concave surfaces alternately directed upwards and downwards, the subsequent module being composed of inverted elements.

[0025] With continuing reference to Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, a further embodiment of a filterless gas intake system according to the present disclosure is shown in Fig. 6. The same reference numbers designate the same or corresponding parts, elements or components already illustrated in Figs.l, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and described above, and which will not be described again. According to Fig.6, the sequence of separation elements 10 and adjacent elements 18 along the plane orthogonal to the cross section of the gas passage is comprised of modules composed by three alternating elements, alternatively a separation element 10 followed by an adjacent element 18 that is followed by a separation element 10 or an adjacent element 18 followed by a separation element 10 that is followed by an adjacent element 18, with the respective concave surfaces alternately directed upwards and downwards, the subsequent module being composed of inverted elements.

[0026] With continuing reference to Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, a further embodiment of a filterless gas intake system according to the present disclosure is shown in Fig. 7. The same reference numbers designate the same or corresponding parts, elements or components already illustrated in Figs. l, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 and described above, and which will not be described again. According to Fig.7 a plurality of paths is defined by separation elements 10 extending along respective directions parallel to each other in a plane parallel to the cross section of the gas passage. Two separation elements 10 are arranged along a plane orthogonal to the cross section of the gas passage, with the respective concave surfaces 12 alternately directed upwards and downwards, the twoseparation elements being connected through a common pivoting axis 20, of a dielectric material.

[0027] With continuing reference to Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, a further embodiment of a filterless gas intake system according to the present disclosure is shown in Fig. 8. The same reference numbers designate the same or corresponding parts, elements or components already illustrated in Figs. l, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 and described above, and which will not be described again. According to Fig.8, each separation element 10 comprises a body 11 with a shape of the cross section comprising two concave surfaces 12 directed on the same direction, which are connected by a third concave surface 12 directed on an opposite direction.

[0028] With continuing reference to Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, a further embodiment of a filterless gas intake system according to the present disclosure is shown in Fig. 9. The same reference numbers designate the same or corresponding parts, elements or components already illustrated in Figs.l, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 and described above, and which will not be described again. According to Fig.9, each separation element 10 comprises two leading portions 140, 140’, extending from an axis 20’ towards the inlet opening of the gas passage, the leading portions 140, 140’ ending at a respective leading edge 14, 14’, and two trailing portions 150, 150’, extending from the axis 20’ towards the outlet opening of the gas passage, the trailing portions 150, 150’ ending at a respective trailing edge 15, 15’, both the leading portions 140, 140’ and the trailing portions 150, 150’ comprising a concave surface 12. In particular, the separation elements 10 arranged along a plane parallel to the cross section of the gas passage alternatively comprise shorter leading portions 140 together with longer trailing portions 150 or longer leading portions 140’ together with shorter trailing portions 150’, and electrodes 16 are arranged at the leading edge 14 of the shorter leading portions 140 and at the trailing edge 15’ of the shorter trailing portions 150’.

[0029] Finally, with continuing reference to Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, a further embodiment of a filterless gas intake system according to the present disclosure is shown in Figs.10a, 10b, 10c. The same reference numbers designate the same or corresponding parts, elements or components already illustrated in Figs.l, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 and described above, and which will not be described again. According to Figs. 10a, 10b, 10c, the leading portions 140, 140’ and the trailing portions 150, 150’of each separation element 10 are separate from each other and are configured to rotate independently around a pivoting axis 20. In particular, the longer leading portions 140’ and the longer trailing portions 150 are configured to rotate around the pivoting axis 20 from a first position, or open position, shown in Fig. 1 Ob, wherein the leading edges 14’ of the longer leading portions 140’ of two adjacent separation elements 10 are separate from each other and the trailing edges 15 of the longer trailing portions 150 of two adjacent separation elements 10 are separate from each other to a second position, or closed position, shown in Fig. 10c, wherein the leading edges 14’ of the longer leading portions 140’ of two adjacent separation elements 10 contact each other and the trailing edges 15 of the longer trailing portions 150 of two adjacent separation elements 10 contact each other along respective directions parallel to each other in a plane parallel to the cross section of the gas passage. Fig. la shows an intermediate position, wherein the leading edges 14’ of the longer leading portions 140’ of two adjacent separation elements 10 are separate from each other and the trailing edges 15 of the longer trailing portions 150 of two adjacent separation elements 10 are separate from each other, but they are closer that in the open position shown with reference to Fig. lb.

[0030] While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications, changes, and omissions are possible without departing form the spirt and scope of the claims. In addition, unless specified otherwise herein, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A filterless gas intake system, the system comprising a gas passage configured to receive an intake gas flow, the gas passage including an inlet opening, an outlet opening and a lateral wall; one or more separation elements ( 10), arranged within the gas passage and extending along a direction from one side of the lateral wall to the opposite side with respect to a partition plane, each separation element (10) comprising:

1. a body (11) with at least one concave surface (12) of an electrically conductive material, connected to an earth grounding (13), a leading edge (14), facing the inlet opening of the gas passage and a trailing edge (15) facing the outlet opening of the gas passage; ii. at least one electrode (16) arranged in front of the at least one concave surface (12) and connected to an electrostatic generator.

2. The filterless gas intake system of claim 1, wherein the concave surface is a curved surface.

3. The filterless gas intake system of claim 2, wherein the shape of the cross section of each of the one or more separation elements (10) is chosen amongst: circular crown arcs, S-shaped or aerodynamic profiles.

4. The filterless gas intake system of claim 1, wherein the concave surface is an angled surface.

5. The filterless gas intake system of one or more of claims 1-4, wherein the system comprises a plurality of separation elements (10).

6. The filterless gas intake system of claim 5, wherein the electrode (16) that is arranged in front of the concave surface (12) of the body (11) of a separation element (10) is supported by the body (11) of an adjacent separation element (10), also comprising at least one concave surface (12) of an electrically conductive material connected to an earth grounding (13), the concave surface (12) being arranged on an opposite side of the body (11) of the adjacent separation element (10) with respect tothe electrode (16) and being separated from the electrode (16) by a dielectric material.

7. The filterless gas intake system of one or more of claims 1-5, wherein the electrode (16) that is arranged in front of the concave surface (12) of the body (11) of a separation element (10) is supported by the body (17) of an adjacent element (18), also comprising at least one concave surface (19) arranged on an opposite side of the body (17) of the adjacent element (18) with respect to the electrode (16), both the body (17) and the concave surface (19) of the adjacent element (18) being made of a dielectric material.

8. The filterless gas intake system of claim 7, wherein the system comprises a plurality of alternated separation elements (10) and adjacent elements (18).

9. The filterless gas intake system of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more separation elements (10) or the alternated separation elements (10) and adjacent elements (18) extend along a not horizontal direction.

10. The filterless gas intake system of claim 9, wherein the one or more separation elements (10) and / or alternated separation elements (10) and adjacent elements (18) extend along a direction forming an angle greater than 30° with respect to the horizontal.

11. The filterless gas intake system of claim 10, wherein the one or more separation elements (10) and / or alternated separation elements (10) and adjacent elements (18) extend along a vertical direction.

12. The filterless gas intake system of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the separation elements (10) or alternated separation elements (10) and adjacent elements (18) are configured to rotate around a pivoting axis (20) and extend along a direction parallel to the pivoting axis.

13. The filterless gas intake system of claim 12, wherein the system comprises one or more actuators configured to rotate the separation elements (10) or the alternated separation elements (10) and adjacent elements (18) around the respective pivoting axis (20).

14. The filterless gas intake system of claim 13, wherein a plurality ofseparation elements (10) or alternated separation elements (10) and adjacent elements (18) are connected to a common actuator through a common rod.

15. The filterless gas intake system of claim 14, wherein all the separation elements (10) or alternated separation elements (10) and adjacent elements (18) are connected to a common actuator through a common rod.

16. The fdterless gas intake system of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the separation elements (10) or the alternated separation elements (10) and adjacent elements (18) are configured to translate.

17. The fdterless gas intake system of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein each separation element (10) comprises one or more leading portions (140, 140’), extending from an axis (20’) towards the inlet opening of the gas passage, the leading portions (140, 140’) ending at a respective leading edge (14, 14’), and one or more trailing portions (150, 150’), extending from the axis (20’) towards the outlet opening of the gas passage, the trailing portions (150, 150’) ending at a respective trailing edge (15, 15’), both the leading portions (140, 140’) and the trailing portions (150, 150’) comprising at least one concave surface (12).

18. The fdterless gas intake system of claim 17, wherein the separation elements (10) alternatively comprise shorter leading portions (140) together with longer trailing portions (150) or longer leading portions (140’) together with shorter trailing portions (150’), and an electrode (16) is arranged at the leading edge (14) of the shorter leading portions (140) and at the trailing edge (15’) of the shorter trailing portions (150’).

19. The fdterless gas intake system of claim 17 or 18, wherein the leading portions (140, 140’) and the trailing portions (150, 150’) of each separation element (10) are integral to each other.

20. The fdterless gas intake system of one or more of claims 17-19, wherein the axis (20’) is a pivoting axis (20) and the leading portions (140, 140’) and the trailing portions (150, 150’) of each separation element (10) are separate from each other and are configured to rotate independently around the pivoting axis (20).

21. The fdterless gas intake system of any one of claims 17-20, whereineach separation element (10) comprises two leading portions (140, 140’), extending in divergent directions from the pivoting axis (20) towards the inlet opening of the gas passage, each leading portion (140, 140’) ending at arespective leading edge (14, 14’), and two trailing portions (150, 150’), extending in divergent directions from the pivoting axis (20) towards the rear of the gas passage, each trailing portion (150, 150’) ending at a respective trailing edge (15, 15’).

22. The fdterless gas intake system of claim 21 , wherein the longer leading portions (140’) and / or the longer trailing portions (150), are configured to rotate around the pivoting axis (20) from a first position, or open position, wherein the leading edges (14’) of the longer leading portions (140’) of two adjacent separation elements (10) are separate from each other and the trailing edges ( 15) of the longer trailing portions (150) of two adjacent separation elements (10) are separate from each other to a second position, or closed position, wherein the leading edges (14’) of the longer leading portions (140’) of two adjacent separation elements (10) contact each other and / or the trailing edges (15) of the longer trailing portions (150) of two adjacent separation elements (10) contact each other along respective directions parallel to each other in a plane parallel to the cross section of the gas passage.

23. The fdterless gas intake system of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the lateral wall of the gas passage forms a rectangular passage.

24. The fdterless gas intake system of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the lateral wall of the gas passage forms a square passage.

25. The fdterless gas intake system of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the electrode (15) is configured to apply a non constant or pulsed or vibrated charge.

26. The fdterless gas intake system of one or more of the preceding claims, further comprising two or more electrostatic generators, the electrodes (16) being separated into different groups, each electrostatic generator being connected to the electrodes of a different group.

27. A method for separating solid or liquid pollutants from a gas intake, the process comprising the following steps:providing a filterless gas intake system according to one or more of the preceding claims 1-26; applying an electrical charge to the electrodes (16) while a gas stream is flown through the filterless gas intake system.

28. The method for separating solid or liquid pollutants from a gas stream according to claim 26, wherein the electrical charge is a non constant or pulsed or vibrated charge.

29. A method for cleaning a filterless gas intake system according to one or more of claims 1-26, the process comprising the following steps: applying to the electrodes (16) an electrical charge inverse to the electrical charge applied for separating solid or liquid pollutants from the gas stream; and / or vibrating at least the concave surface (12) of the body (11) of the separation elements (10); and / or blowing off at least the concave surface (12) of the body (11) of the separation elements (10); and / or scrubbing at least the concave surface (12) of the body (11) of the separation elements (10).

30. The method for cleaning a fdterless gas intake system of claim 29, further comprising the following step: rotating the body (1 1) or the longer leading portions (140’) and / or the longer trailing portions (150) of the separation elements (10) so that the leading edges (14’) of the longer leading portions (140’) of two adjacent separation elements (10) contact each other and / or the trailing edges (15) of the longer trailing portions (150) of two adjacent separation elements (10) contact each other along respective directions parallel to each other in a plane parallel to the cross section of the gas passage.

31. Use of the filterless gas intake system of one or more of claims 1 -26 as a pre-fdter of the combustion air of a gas turbine.

32. Use of the filterless gas intake system of one or more of claims 1-26 as a fdter of the ventilation air of a gas turbine enclosure.

33. Use of the filterless gas intake system of one or more of claims 1-26 in combination with a demister of a gas turbine.

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