GE
High ambient temperatures can greatly reduce the electrical power output of combustion turbine generator sets. For example, at 90°F, a 7FA turbine’s output can be reduced by as much as 20
MW. However, by cooling the air entering the turbine this power reduction can be regained. GE Energy has created a total inlet cooling solution to provide clean, cool, dry air to your turbine.
GE’s inlet cooling solution improves upon current technology in the marketplace to maximize power output while protecting the turbine. The parasitic load is optimized for localized operating conditions using an adaptive system configuration with variable speed pumps and motors. The chilled water is in a closed-loop system and any condensation is completely removed by our mist eliminator technology and can be used as a make-up water source.
As the original designers of combustion turbines, GE engineers bring extensive experience and expertise to the design of turbine auxiliary systems. For example, the chilling system controls are integrated seamlessly with the turbine controls and the entire system can be remotely monitored from GE’s Monitoring &
Diagnostics Center. We currently have over 10 patents pending on the inlet cooling design, which is fully compliant with GE’s specification for inlet optimization systems.
This technology can offer significant return on investment and has lower installation costs than other systems. For example, a base-load plant that operates year-round and is capable of selling extra power can see payback in as little as two years.
For those that require extra power during peak summer months, installation of this system would be half the cost of adding an extra turbine on a $/kW basis. For those in competitive capacity markets, demonstrating higher output during the summer translates into higher payments all year.
The system was designed using a modular approach to minimize plant downtime. Typical installation requires six to eight months
(with less than two weeks of actual downtime). Ideally, installation would occur during a hot gas path or major inspection to avoid any extra downtime.

In addition to engineering and installing your inlet cooling system,
GE can manage all planned and unplanned maintenance, using the terms of your existing Contractual Services Agreement. Our technical experts are on hand to help ensure your plant runs at optimum performance – giving you peace of mind.
• Recovers plant power lost during hot summer months
• Predictable power output regardless of fluctuating ambient temperatures
• Increased power with minimal impact on total plant availability, reliability and maintenance
• Integrated controls solution facilitates ease of operation
• Adaptive system configuration reduces parasitic load
• CFC- and HCFC-free refrigerant reduces environmental impact
• High performance inertial vane separators eliminate condensation giving additional turbine protection
• Rapid return on investment
For more information, contact your GE Energy representative or visit us at ge-energy.com/airquality.
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GEA-14923 (04/07)