Variable Speed Pump Gas Turbine Augmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for augmenting gas turbine power output are either limited to specific operating conditions, costly, or require complex and costly hardware configurations, lacking a cost-efficient and user-friendly solution that can provide increased power over a wide range of conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a variable speed pump unit to deliver high-pressure liquid for evaporative cooling, compressor intercooling, combustor flame cooling, and engine washing, combined into a single multipurpose unit, with nozzles injecting atomized liquid to enhance mass flow and power output, and a closed-loop water treatment system to minimize waste and reduce water consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If evaporative cooling is used to increase mass flow and power output, then power output is improved, but water consumption increases and corrosion/flooding problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and delivery parameters of water by using a high-pressure pump system to atomize water into fine droplets (5-30 microns) that can be efficiently evaporated and absorbed by the air stream, preventing excess water accumulation that causes corrosion and flooding
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a hydraulic high-pressure pump system to deliver atomized water droplets into the air stream, utilizing fluid dynamics to ensure proper distribution and evaporation of water, thereby achieving cooling and mass flow increase without harmful water accumulation
2Temperature
If water spray technology is used to cool inlet air, then cooling effect is improved, but control complexity increases due to varying ambient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a variable speed high-pressure pump that can dynamically adjust its operation based on ambient conditions and engine requirements, allowing the system to maintain optimal performance across varying temperatures and humidity levels without requiring complex manual control
Solution Approach 2:
The high-pressure pump system serves multiple functions: cooling the inlet air, increasing mass flow, and preventing water accumulation issues, making it a universal solution that handles various operating conditions through a single integrated system
3Temperature
If inlet air chilling technology is used to achieve lower temperatures, then cooling effect is improved, but investment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive water as the cooling medium instead of expensive refrigeration systems, achieving effective cooling through evaporation of atomized water droplets, which is a cost-effective alternative to mechanical chilling equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of water from liquid to vapor during evaporation to absorb heat from the inlet air, providing an efficient and low-cost cooling mechanism that eliminates the need for expensive refrigeration equipment
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 increases gas turbine power output over a wide range of conditions while being cost-efficient and user-friendly, reducing emissions and fuel consumption through synergetic effects of combined water-based cooling and washing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a pump unit comprising a variable speed pump adapted to increase a pressure of a liquid
Implementation Method 2
the at least one nozzle of the washing unit being adapted to inject a spray of atomized liquid
Implementation Method 3
As the water evaporates water latent heat is exchanged for air sensible heat
Implementation Method 4
water latent heat is exchanged for air sensible heat
Implementation Method 5
at least one valve connected to the pump unit via the feed line and to the at least one nozzle via a conduit and being adapted to control a flow rate of liquid being fed to the at least one nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a method and system for augmenting shaft output of stationary gas turbines that can be used in multiple modes of operation. The system comprises a washing unit (25, 27, 28) adapted to inject a spray (26) of atomized liquid so as to impinge on the compressor blades (12) in order to wet said blades (12), thereby obtaining a release of fouling material from said blades (12); and at least one liquid injection unit (21, 23, 24, 29, 210, 212, 214, 215, 216) adapted to inject a spray (22, 211, 213) of atomized liquid into an air stream of said turbine duct (101) or at the gas turbine (10) in order to increase a mass flow of said air flow, wherein the power output from said gas turbine engine can be augmented. With the invention follows also benefits such as fuel savings and improved environmental performance by reduction of emissions.