Gas Turbine Compressor Water Injection for Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The main challenge in improving gas turbine efficiency is that the air compressor consumes most of the power generated, and maximizing air mass flow is hindered by increased compressor load consumption, limiting overall efficiency gains.
Innovation Solution
Injecting high-pressure, relatively cold water into the air compressor reduces the compressor outlet temperature and pressure above the saturation point, thereby reducing load consumption and increasing gas turbine efficiency, while also maximizing mass flow by increasing the temperature of the injected water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If high-pressure water injection is used to reduce compressor outlet temperature, then compressor load consumption is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
High-pressure water is introduced as an intermediary substance into the compressor airflow path. The water injection system acts as a mediator that transfers thermal energy from the compressed air to the injected water, thereby reducing the outlet temperature and compressor load without requiring complex thermal management systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes hydraulic principles by injecting high-pressure water into the compressor. The water injection system employs pressure-controlled nozzles that atomize the water into fine droplets, maximizing heat transfer surface area and efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure
2Use of energy by moving object
If compressor outlet temperature is reduced to decrease superheating, then compressor load consumption decreases, but the temperature control precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature sensing and control mechanisms that monitor the compressor outlet temperature and adjust the water injection rate accordingly. This feedback loop maintains the outlet temperature within the optimal range (above saturation point) while minimizing compressor load, achieving precise temperature control through dynamic adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the compressed air by introducing water vapor through injection. This phase change and mixing process fundamentally alters the temperature-entropy characteristics of the airflow, reducing superheating and allowing operation at lower temperatures without compromising system performance
3Productivity
If water injection temperature is increased to maximize mass flow, then turbine mass flow increases, but the energy required to heat the water increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the water heating function with the existing gas turbine exhaust heat. The exhaust gases, which would otherwise be wasted, are used to preheat the injection water through heat exchangers. This integration simultaneously increases turbine mass flow (by allowing higher injection temperatures) and utilizes otherwise wasted thermal energy, eliminating the need for separate heating systems
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 effectively reduces compressor load consumption and enhances overall gas turbine efficiency by lowering the compressor outlet temperature and increasing mass flow, resulting in improved adiabatic and thermal efficiencies.
Implementation Method 1
injection high pressure water relatively cold into air compressor
Implementation Method 2
air at compressor outlet is superheated. Excess superheating increases compressor load consumption. Therefore reducing compressor air outlet temperature
Implementation Method 3
injection high pressure water relatively cold into air compressor
Implementation Method 4
a combustion chamber (C/C)
Implementation Method 5
a turbine (T)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is applicable to industrial gas turbines to reduce the load consumed by the gas turbine compressor and to maximize the turbine mass flow.