Field Experiments and Technical Evaluation of an Optimized Media Evaporative Cooler for Gas Turbine Power Augmentation

This paper discusses an optimized media type evaporative cooling system called Outdoor Movable Media cooler which has been recently implemented on two 160 MW, V94.2 gas turbines of Kerman combined cycle power plant, Iran. The air cooling system can be applied to retrieve the lost power generation capability of gas turbine during hot months. System description is completely presented and optimizations such as making a movable media cooler are described. The moving ability of this system eliminates the power loss related to the conventional media coolers. Furthermore, experimental work including evaluation of humidity effect on the air filters operation is discussed and the results are presented. The cooling system performance curve shows the system capability of cooling the inlet air up to 19 degrees C at the design condition. This cooling capacity leads to power augmentation up to 14% which is noteworthy in responding to the electricity demand in hot months, when air-conditioning loads are maximized. Considering several parameters, a cost analysis is done finally and payback period of the system is calculated.