Compressor Extraction Cooling via Water Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas turbines face performance degradation and component life reduction due to cooling air extraction from the compressor section, with heat exchanger maintenance and operation costs being high.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for controlling compressor extraction cooling by introducing a cooling medium, such as water, to the compressor extraction air before it reaches the turbine section, with selective control based on gas turbine characteristics, using storage, distribution, and control devices to optimize air and medium flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If cooling air is extracted from the compressor section to cool turbine components, then component life is extended, but gas turbine performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the extracted cooling air by introducing a cooling medium (such as water) to lower the air temperature before it reaches the turbine section. This allows the system to maintain effective cooling of turbine components while reducing the amount of air extraction needed, thereby improving overall gas turbine performance while still extending component life.
2Productivity
If the amount of extracted cooling air is decreased to improve gas turbine performance, then performance increases, but component life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cooling medium (such as water) as an intermediary substance to cool the extracted air. This intermediary allows the system to maintain adequate cooling of turbine components with reduced air extraction, thereby improving gas turbine performance while preserving component life through the mediating cooling effect.
3Temperature
If a heat exchanger is used to cool extracted compressor air, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but maintenance and operation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive heat exchanger with a simpler, lower-cost cooling medium injection system. Instead of using a complex heat exchanger requiring significant maintenance, the system introduces a cooling medium (such as water) that can be easily supplied and replaced, dramatically reducing maintenance and operation costs while achieving the same cooling effect.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach improves gas turbine performance and extends component life by reducing compressor extraction air temperature, allowing operation at rated firing temperatures even at hot ambient conditions, while reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
introducing the cooling medium to the compressor extraction air, wherein the compressor extraction air is cooled by the cooling medium prior to or during introduction to the turbine section
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of methods and apparatus for providing compressor extraction cooling are provided. According to one example embodiment, a method is disclosed for controlling compressor extraction cooling. The method can include providing a cooling medium. The method can include extracting air from a compressor associated with a gas turbine. The method can also include introducing the cooling medium to the compressor extraction air, wherein the compressor extraction air is cooled by the cooling medium prior to or during introduction to the turbine section. Furthermore, method can include selectively controlling at least one of the compressor extraction air or the cooling medium based at least in part on a characteristic associated with the gas turbine.