Load ramp and start-up system for combined cycle power plant and method of operation

A load ramp system for a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) of a combined cycle power plant, the load ramp system comprising:

• a conduit in fluid communication with a supercharger positioned upstream of a compressor of a gas turbine system in the combined cycle power plant, the conduit configured to direct a portion of supercharged air for use in cooling the HRSG during load ramp of the gas turbine system in the combined cycle power plant;
• and
• an airflow monitoring system operably connected to the supercharger, the airflow monitoring system including:
• an airflow sensor positioned within the conduit, the airflow sensor for sensing a flow rate of the directed portion of the supercharged air within the conduit;
• and
• a diagnostic system operably connected to the airflow sensor, the supercharger and an automated valve positioned within the conduit, the diagnostic system configured to:
• modify a position of the automated valve in response to the flow rate of the directed portion of the supercharged air differing from a predetermined flow rate.