Overview

Achieving the preferred inlet air temperature is an important strategy when optimizing turbine efficiency and power output. Donaldson provides gas turbine air heating and cooling solutions and equipment designed to help operators manage inlet air temperatures, reduce fuel consumption, and lower total operating costs. System selection is driven by ambient air temperatures, environmental conditions, and output demands.

Heating Systems

Bleed Heating Systems

Bleed heating systems use compressed air from the compressor to warm inlet air. The hot air is extracted from the compressor before the introduction of fuel and routed to the inlet air system. The warmed air helps prevent bellmouth icing, increase efficiency and reduce emissions at low loads.

Bleed heating systems can also be placed downstream of hoods in static systems to act as an anti-icing system.

Heating Coils

Heating coils typically use heated fluids to control inlet air temperatures anddensity, which can increase turbine efficiency and save on fuel and energy costs when the system is operating below capacity or in colder conditions.

Heating coils can be installed upstream or downstream of the air filters depending on the configuration of your system. Upstream installations are often used in static systems to help prevent filter icing and reduce pressure drop. Downstream installations are more common in pulse-cleaned systems. The warmed air enters the compressor for more effective combustion.

Cooling Systems

Evaporative Coolers

Incoming air is cooled  by passing through wetted evaporative cooling media. The cooled airflow is directed toward the compressor while the reclaimed water is recirculated through the system.

Evaporative cooler systems require a consistent water supply and typically require  a lower initial investment than chiller coils.

Chiller Coils

This system utilizes chilled fluid to reduce the temperature of the system’s inlet air. As warm air passes across the cold coils, heat is removed from the inlet air and transferred to the fluid which is directed away from the unit.

The highly efficient chiller coils require a chilled-water plant or chilled water supply and are well suited for hot and humid climates.

Donaldson engineers and technicians can work with you to recommend and install the solution matched to your efficiency requirements, output demands, and operating environment.