Dynamic Turbomachine Inlet Conditioning for Cost-Aware Power Gain
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Operating turbomachine inlet systems, such as those with evaporative cooling coils, incurs additional costs that may not be offset by the increased power output, necessitating improved methods to optimize their operation for economic benefit.
Innovation Solution
A turbomachine system and method that uses a statistical model to estimate power gain and an economic model to estimate benefit, activating the inlet conditioning system based on these models to optimize operation and maximize economic benefit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the inlet conditioning system operates at high level (above certain degree of cooling, filtering, and/or drying), then power output increases, but operating costs increase more than desired
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet conditioning system operates dynamically by adjusting its level of operation based on real-time economic analysis. The controller continuously evaluates ambient conditions, power prices, and operating costs to determine the optimal operating point, allowing the system to adapt between high power output mode and cost-efficient mode rather than operating at a fixed high level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (cooling degree, filtering level, drying extent) based on economic models that consider ambient conditions and power prices. By varying these parameters dynamically, the system achieves power output when economically beneficial while avoiding excessive operating costs when conditions are unfavorable.
2Productivity
If the inlet conditioning system operates continuously at high level, then power gain is maximized, but economic benefit decreases due to high operating costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback control through economic models that continuously monitor ambient conditions, power prices, and operating costs. This feedback mechanism allows the controller to adjust the inlet conditioning operation in real-time, maximizing power gain when economic conditions are favorable and reducing operation when costs outweigh benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static high-level operation to dynamic operation that responds to changing economic conditions. The controller adjusts the conditioning level based on real-time evaluation of power prices and operating costs, enabling the system to capture power gain opportunities while avoiding economically unfavorable continuous high-level operation.
3Loss of energy
If the inlet conditioning system is operated selectively based on economic models, then operating costs are reduced, but power output may be reduced when conditioning is not activated
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary economic analysis using ambient conditions and power price forecasts before deciding whether to activate the inlet conditioning system. This advance evaluation allows the system to prepare for power gain opportunities by pre-assessing economic viability, ensuring conditioning is activated in advance when beneficial while avoiding unnecessary operation when not economically justified.
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
The system effectively adjusts inlet system operation to balance power gain and costs, providing a net economic benefit by optimizing the use of evaporative cooling units based on ambient and engine conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the cooling coils of the inlet system may be or may include evaporative cooling coils which use water
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method of operating a turbomachine includes producing an estimate of a power gain resulting from operation of an inlet conditioning system of the turbomachine using a statistical model and producing an estimate of an economic benefit resulting from operation of the inlet conditioning system of the turbomachine using an economic model. The method further includes activating the inlet conditioning system of the turbomachine based on the estimate of the economic benefit.