Turbine Inlet Air Chilling FAQs

Yes, provided the gas turbine is located in a climate where chilling the inlet air would be beneficial.

There are many differences, however, the major difference is that mechanical chilling will provide the GT with a constant inlet air temperature, which will result in a constant and predictable output. Evaporative cooling is a function of the ambient wet bulb temperature and, consequently, the inlet air temperature will fluctuate.

Equipment delivery varies between 24 and 36 weeks depending on project complexity and special materials.

The simplest way to determine a basic design point is to use readily available ASHRAE weather data for a city as close as possible to the site. The most accurate way is to analyze local hourly weather data and select a design point that allows the TIAC system to service the plant for the majority of the summer conditions. Stellar Energy can perform an hourly data analysis upon request and will determine the best split between design point and system size.

Turbine inlet air chilling systems are typically installed during major scheduled outages. Filter house modifications can be completed in as little as one to two weeks.

Winterization is a very important consideration on a TIAC system. There are three options available:

1. The system can be drained of water during colder months
2. A quantity of glycol can be added to give burst protection
3. A quantity of glycol can be added to give freeze protection

Using 100% water in the chilled water loop will result in the best efficiency, as glycol will de-rate the capacity of the chiller.

Maintenance is minimal on a TIAC system, and Stellar Energy designs every system to ensure easy access to internal components. The chillers are the largest pieces of equipment to be maintained-this is typically carried out by the chiller OEM on an annual basis. The chiller maintenance is relatively inexpensive with little downtime. The remaining components are normally added to the existing facilities routine maintenance program.

Stellar Energy has all engineering, procurement and construction services in house, which gives Stellar Energy the ability to provide a seamless turnkey project.

It is the belief of all TIAC system OEMs that chilling the inlet air will improve the life cycle of the gas turbine's hot gas path components due to the lower operating temperature of the components.

Stellar Energy will design an inlet chilling coil to adhere to the industry standard of <1"Wg.

Yes. Guarantees vary by customer. Stellar Energy will guarantee anything from a chilled water temperature and flow rate to overall system performance, including the pressure drop across the inlet filter house.

Yes. There are four main considerations: additional capacity in auxiliary transformers, chilled water supply and return pipe routes, coil-ready filter house designs, and the footprint of the TIAC system.

Depending on the ambient design point, a gross power augmentation of 25% to 30+% is not uncommon.