Frame 5 turbines

I

Thread Starter

Ivan

In a Frame 5 Turbine, the reduction in inlet temperature to compressor produces more power. I wish to know if it also improves Gas consumption per unit of power produced and why?

When the inlet temp is low, the mass flow is better. Does it mean that more air is available for combustion and hence the combustion is more efficient? Does more mass flow lead to higher combustion temperatures and hence higher kinetic energy of gases and hence the higher power?

Thanks,
Ivan
 
This is not particular to Frame 5 gas turbines; it's true of all gas turbines. Higher mass flows, which can result from decreased compressor inlet temperature, results in higher power output than for lower mass flows at higher compressor inlet temperatures.

If we're talking about operation at compressor discharge pressure-biased exhaust temperature control ("Base Load"), no; the combustion temperature does not change with changes in compressor inlet temperature. Exhaust temperature will change--inversely--with compressor inlet temperature changes when operating at Base Load, but combustion temperature will not change. More air will allow slightly more fuel to be burnt for the same combustion temperature at Base Load, and I believe that gas consumption per unit of power production does improve slightly, or else why would chillers and foggers and evap coolers be so common (as they are used to decrease compressor inlet temperature to make more power and if that came at an efficiency deficiency they probably wouldn't be so common).

I would suggest you surf over to the Mee Fogger website for some information on efficiency and heat rate improvement with inlet cooling. Also, many of the other manufacturers of inlet cooling equipment may also have some literature that will have some data you are probably seeking (heat rate?).
 
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