Study and Field Tests of the Novel Low Pressure Fogger System for Industrial Gas Turbine

Abstract

Based on three patented innovations (air-assist atomizer, wetness sensor, and closed loop programmable logic controller (PLC)), a new low-pressure power gas turbine augmentation system was developed. Two modifications of air-assist atomizer were tested in the Jet Engine Laboratory of the Technion. The tests were performed to investigate influence of thermodynamic parameters on spray characteristics, as droplet size and velocity distribution of the spray. The system as a whole has passed field test in a gas turbine of a power station. Droplet characteristics, conceptual design aspects, and test results are described. It was found that the droplet sauter mean diameter was 20μm. The field tests demonstrated that the power augmentation system operates safely and reliably. Wetness sensors and closed loop PLC proved to be a safe method for power augmentation, which prevents droplet penetration into the compressor inlet.