Supercharging system for gas turbines

Abstract

A supercharger for improving performance of a gas-turbine power plant at high ambient temperatures. The supercharger comprises an auxiliary fan that can pressurize air before it enters the gas turbine and means for limiting turbine power output at lower ambient temperatures. The means for limiting turbine power may include control over supercharging pressure, gas-turbine inlet air temperature, or burner exit temperature. The supercharger preferably also comprises cooling means located in the air stream between the auxiliary fan and the inlet to the turbine. The air cooler is preferably a direct evaporative cooler, but could also be an indirect evaporative cooler, a cooling coil with associated mechanical or absorption refrigeration system, etc. The supercharger may also include a bypass damper that allows air to move freely around the auxiliary fan when the fan is not operating. This supercharger is especially suitable for retrofit on existing gas-turbine power plants.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.