Finned Intake Bleed Heating for Gas Turbine Anti-Icing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ice accumulation on the inlet filter housing of gas turbine systems in cold weather conditions negatively impacts compressor performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An anti-icing system with finned conduits installed in the air intake conduit that transfers heat from a heated fluid to the airflow using a network of fins to maintain airflow temperature above the dew point and prevent ice formation, while also protecting the filter from excessive heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heated fluid is introduced into the air intake conduit to prevent ice accumulation, then ice prevention effectiveness is improved, but risk of excessive filter heating increases
Solution Approach 1:
The finned conduit is positioned upstream of the filter system, creating a localized heating zone that prevents ice accumulation in the air intake conduit while allowing the filtered air to bypass the heated region. This spatial differentiation ensures the filter is protected from excessive heating while the intake conduit receives anti-icing treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The finned conduit acts as an intermediary heat transfer device between the heated fluid and the air intake conduit. It transfers thermal energy indirectly through its fins, providing controlled heating to prevent ice while avoiding direct contact between heated fluid and the filter system.
2Reliability
If heated fluid flow rate is increased to maintain airflow temperature above dew point, then ice prevention effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a relatively small amount of heated fluid extracted from the compressor (typically 1-5% of compressor flow) to achieve adequate anti-icing protection. This partial action approach maintains airflow temperature above the dew point without requiring excessive energy input, balancing effectiveness with energy efficiency.
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 prevents ice buildup on the filter, maintains airflow temperature within a safe range, and reduces thermal distortion, ensuring optimal compressor performance and filter longevity.
Implementation Method 1
transfer heat from the heated fluid to air flowing through the air intake conduit of the gas turbine system
Implementation Method 2
transfer heat from the heated fluid to air flowing through the air intake conduit
Data Source
AI summary
An anti-icing system for a gas turbine system has a finned conduit that includes a heated fluid conduit defining a flowpath extending along the heated fluid conduit, and a plurality of fins spaced along the conduit and extending radially outward from the conduit. The finned conduit is configured to be installed in an air intake conduit of the gas turbine system, to receive a heated fluid flowing along the flowpath, and to transfer heat from the heated fluid to air flowing through the air intake conduit of the gas turbine system.