Ultrasonic Wave Generator for Gas Turbine Inlet Filter Pest Deterrence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inlet air filtration units in power plants face disruptions due to flying insects and other pests entering the system, leading to clogged filters and reduced airflow, necessitating costly maintenance and a pressure drop in air flow, which affects the efficiency and reliability of gas turbines.

Innovation Solution

Installation of a wave-generating system, including ultrasonic or electromagnetic devices, on the upstream surface of the inlet air filtration unit to deter pests by emitting waves that repel them, eliminating the need for a costly stainless steel screen and minimizing pressure drop.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large inlet screen with very fine pore size is installed across the upstream surface of the inlet air filtration unit, then pests such as flying insects are caught and prevented from entering the air filters, but this results in a pressure drop in the air flow entering the compressor, leading to loss in power output and increased cost due to stainless steel material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepest preventionVSAvoidpressure drop

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical inlet screen system with an ultrasonic wave-generating system. The ultrasonic waves create a deterrent field that prevents pests from approaching the inlet air filtration unit without creating physical obstruction to air flow, thereby eliminating the pressure drop while maintaining pest prevention capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from physical barrier (mechanical parameter) to acoustic field (energy parameter). By using ultrasonic waves at frequencies imperceptible to humans but deterrent to pests, the system achieves pest prevention without the mechanical constraints that cause pressure drop

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a large inlet screen with very fine pore size is installed across the upstream surface of the inlet air filtration unit, then pests such as flying insects are caught and prevented from entering the air filters, but this significantly increases cost due to stainless steel material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepest preventionVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the expensive stainless steel mechanical screen system with a more economical ultrasonic wave-generating system. The ultrasonic devices are significantly less costly than large areas of fine-pore stainless steel screening while providing equivalent or superior pest deterrent functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The ultrasonic wave-generating components are relatively inexpensive and can be replaced or adjusted as needed, unlike the permanent, costly stainless steel screen infrastructure that requires significant material investment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If a large inlet screen with very fine pore size is installed across the upstream surface of the inlet air filtration unit, then pests such as flying insects are caught and prevented from entering the air filters, but this requires the gas turbine to be taken off-line for filter cleaning and replacement more frequently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepest preventionVSAvoidoperational availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The ultrasonic wave system provides preliminary deterrence to pests before they can reach and contaminate the air filters. By creating an ultrasonic deterrent field at the inlet, the system prevents pest accumulation that would otherwise require frequent filter maintenance and turbine shutdowns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 wave-generating system effectively prevents pests from entering the filtration unit, ensuring reliable and efficient operation of gas turbines by maintaining airflow and reducing maintenance needs, while being cost-effective and compliant with noise regulations.

Implementation Method 1

A wave-generating system is installed on or proximate to the plurality of weather hoods, the wave-generating system emitting waves that deter pests from the inlet filter house

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic waves: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS10772317B2Systems and methods for deterring pests from gas turbine inlet air filtration units

Publication Date: 2020.09.15 GE INFRASTRUCTURE TECH LLC

AI summary

An inlet air filtration unit for a gas turbine includes an inlet filter house having an upstream surface through which air is ingested. A plurality of weather hoods is secured to the upstream surface. A wave-generating system is installed on or proximate to the plurality of weather hoods, the wave-generating system emitting waves that deter pests from the inlet filter house. A method of deterring pests from entering an inlet filter house of an inlet air filtration system is also provided. The method includes: installing a wave-generating system proximate to or on a weather hood on an upstream surface of the inlet filter house; and energizing the wave-generating system to produce energy waves across the upstream surface of the inlet filter house.