Gas Turbine (GT) performance seriously deteriorates at increased ambient temperature. This study analyses the possibility of improving GT power output and efficiency by installing a gas turbine inlet air cooling system.

Different cooling systems were analyzed and preliminary cost evaluations for each system were carried out.

The following three cooling systems were considered in detail:

a) Traditional compression cooling system;

b) Absorption single-acting cooling system using a solution of lithium bromide;

c) Absorption double-acting cooling system using a solution of lithium bromide.

Results clearly indicate that there is a great potential for GT performance enhancement by application of an Inlet Air Cooling (IAC). Technical and economical analyses lead to selection of a particular type of IAC for significant savings in capital outlay, operational and maintenance costs and other additional advantages.

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