Protect your Gas Turbine from Ice Formation during High Humidity & Low Temperatures
Anti-icing mechanisms are generally used on gas turbine inlets when the air temperature is below 5 °C and the relative humidity is above 70%. Insufficient icing protection may result in inlet filter system issues and ice formation at the turbine inlet.
to mitigate these risks, there are various anti-icing options show in Table 1, where location, heat capacity, and functionality for each option is outlined.
| Anti-Icing Option | Location | Heat Capacity | Functionality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pulse System | Filter protection only | None | Cartridges pulse snow and thin ice off filters. |
| Heat Exchanger: Heating Coils | Upstream or downstream | Limited by heat source availability: Target is to heat the air by +/- 10°C | Heating coils pump fluid such as steam of glycol with water to heat inlet components and can be operational even before starting the engine. |
| Hot Air: Ventilation | Upstream or downstream | Limited by heat radiated by the engine in the enclosure: Target is to heat the air by +/- 10°C | Ventilation air from the enclosure is reused through a ducting system to warm the incoming air. Electrical heaters may be required to increase the temperature if the air is not warm enough. |
| Hot Air: Exhaust | Upstream or downstream | Unlimited: Target is to heat the air by +/- 10°C | Ducts, dampers, and fans direct hot air flow from the exhaust, mixed with ambient air to the inlet. |
| Hot Air: Compressed Bleed | Upstream or downstream | Limited by the OEM spec. Target is to heat the air by +/- 10°C | Hot air is sent through pipes from the gas compressor bleed, and is distributed through anti-icing rakes in the opposite direction of the airflow. |
| Heat Surface: Infrared | Surface protection only | Limited by electrical power availability. Heats only the surface to 20-30°C and does not heat the air | Infrared heaters are installed in front of filters to prevent ice formation. They heat the surface by radiation and do not heat the air significantly. |
| Electrical Resistance | Upstream or downstream | Limited by electrical power availability. Target is to heat the air by +/- 10°C | An electrical heater is used for anti-icing. They can also be installed on metal vanes. |
| Heated CamVanes | Vane protection only | Limited by electrical power availability. Target is to heat the vane surface - can heat the air by 1-3°C | Vanes are heated by an electrical heating cable to prevent freezing and allows drainage of collected water. |
Although summer is a few months away in some countries, you can prepare for next year by installing the right anti-icing system for your local site conditions.
Depending on your current filter solution and operational requirements, the anti-icing application may change. For recommendations on the optimal application for your site, contact your local representative.
Upstream: placed in front of the air inlet filter system
Downstream: placed behind the filters and protects only the bellmouth
Ireland