Gas turbine inlet solutions to meet changing demand in power generation
With an increased demand for power, a shortage in reserve margin, plants that may have been at peak operation in the past, are looking to change operating profile to that of increased dispatch or base load operation. With this comes an ever increasing need to improve operating efficiencies as well as increase generating capacity.
One method for increasing output and increasing operating efficiencies is through implementation of advanced water wash technologies to provide customers with increased output and improved heat rate over older systems.
Another technology, most likely used during summer months when operating reserve margins are at their lowest, is power augmentation. This technology allows operators to have a means of on-demand increase generating output. Power augmentation in the form of fogging or wet compression has historically been standalone technology offerings.
Short of adding new construction projects that will take years to design, build and commission, the most immediate action is to add available technologies as quickly as possible. It is the combination of these technologies that can provide generating plants with increased operating efficiency, increased output as well as restoring lost capacity resulting from high ambient temperatures.
The superior performance of this technology has been recognized as beneficial from end users. Often the ROI to end users which may have been in term of years can now be demonstrated in term of months.
Presented by
Robert Burke,
Application Engineer- Manufacturing, Research & Development
Robert Burke, Application Manager at Wood Group GTS, has 22 years of power generation experience ranging from managing turbine manufacturing, installation quality and hands on gas turbine installation performance. This experience includes 13 years with General Electric and six years with Gas Turbine Efficiency.
