Types of TIAC Systems

The purpose of Turbine Inlet Air Chilling is to restore the power output of a combustion turbine at elevated ambient temperatures to its rated capacity or better. TIAC is especially compelling in warm climates where a turbine’s output can decrease at the same time more power is needed for comfort cooling/air conditioning. Stellar Energy’s mechanical TIAC solution is a heat transfer system that utilizes refrigeration to supply chilled water or an alternative fluid to a heat exchanger at the filter house of gas turbines to cool the inlet air to the gas turbines.

TIAC systems can incorporate thermal energy storage (TES).  Thermal energy storage allows power producers to shift the power required to run the turbine inlet air chilling system to off-peak times when power is in less demand and the value of the power sold from the power plant is at the lowest value. This increases the power available for use during peak periods, and improves the financial performance of the power plant asset.

For the ultimate flexibility in a TIAC system, Stellar Energy’s EVE™ technology provides the benefits of both evaporative cooling and mechanical chilling.  This flexibility can enable the plant operator to optimize energy efficiency, as well as plant capacity, by making use of evaporative cooling when ambient conditions support it and switching to mechanical cooling when elected ambient wet bulb temperatures render evaporative cooling ineffective. In addition, the EVE filters dust and airborne contaminants out of the inlet air stream further improving turbine operation and reducing maintenance. 

Turbine Inlet Air Chilling is increasingly utilized in the natural gas liquefaction process at liquefied natural gas (LNG) production facilities.  The TIAC system supports LNG production by maintaining optimum intake air temperatures for the gas turbines which are used as compressor drivers in the liquefaction process. TIAC for LNG is especially compelling in warm, humid climates where the output of the gas combustion turbine can deteriorate.  TIAC can ensure a constant output by increasing the density of the intake air and, therefore, help stabilize LNG production.