Gas turbine power augmentation technologies: a systematic comparative evaluation approach

Increasing electric rates in peak demand period, especially during summer months, are forcing power producers to look for gas turbine power augmentation technologies (PATs). One of the major undesirable features of all the gas turbines is that their power output and fuel efficiency decreases with increase in the ambient temperature resulting in significant loss in revenues particularly during peak hours. This paper presents a systematic comparative evaluation approach for various gas turbine power augmentation technologies (PATs) available in the market. The application of discussed approach has been demonstrated by considering two commonly used gas turbine designs, namely, heavy-duty industrial and aeroderivative. The following PATs have been taken into account: inlet evaporative, inlet chilling, high pressure fogging, overspray, humid air injection and steam injection. The main emphasis of this paper is to provide a detailed comparative thermodynamic analysis of the considered PATs including the main variables, such as ambient temperature and relative humidity, which influence their performance in terms of power boost, heat rate reduction and auxiliary power consumption.