Numerical evaluation of the motion of fogging flow along the inlet duct of gas turbine engines

Abstract

Computational fluid dynamic analysis of inlet duct fogging system was carried out to understand the characteristics flow of nozzles spray along the air inlet duct channel of Alstom GT13E2 gas turbine, the numerical work is validated using wind tunnel experimental data of previous study. Flow resistance on the nozzle were studied at specified reference locations. The results obtained have shown that, fogging spray possesses significant effects on mass flow rate due transfer of heat of evaporation caused by air to the liquid droplets in the inlet duct, which greatly influence the performance of the compressor and turbine. An adequately space between the nozzles array and compressor bell mouth produces mass flow rate evaporability up to 87.63% and temperature difference drop by roughly 6°C. The pressure distribution becomes uniformly and squarely distributed when positioned at least 2.0 m away from the nozzle array. The current research offers an inclusive coverage on the droplets evaporative cooling effects, air flow resistance through pressure drop and their effects on the compressor performances, it is our desire that the work will be of added benefit to the gas turbine engine designers.