Gas Turbine Power Augmentation: Parametric Study Relating to Fog Droplet Size and Its Influence on Evaporative Efficiency

Several gas turbine power augmentation techniques are available to counter the detrimental drop in power and thermal efficiency that occur at high ambient temperatures. Inlet fogging and wet compression are two common and relatively simple techniques. This paper addresses the influence and importance of droplet size on evaporative cooling performance and efficiency. Spray nozzles used for inlet fogging and wet compression include impaction pin, swirl jet, air assisted, and swirl flash nozzle designs. The evaporation efficiency of the atomized droplets from these nozzles depends on the droplet size, size distribution, and spray plume shape. Droplets size varies with nozzle type, configuration, operating conditions, and nozzle manifold location in the gas turbine inlet duct and are affected by airflow velocity, residence time, coalescence effects, and water carryover. The proper selection of nozzle type, nozzle manifold location, and nozzle distribution are of cardinal importance to avoid large droplets and under-/oversaturated areas, which would affect compressor mechanical and aerodynamic efficiency. Analytical and numerical studies are compared with experimental results. This paper provides a comprehensive treatment of parameters affecting droplet size and will be of value to gas turbine fog system designers and users.