Gas turbine evaporative cooling evaluation for Lagos - Nigeria

Evaporative cooling is widely recognised as one of the available gas turbine power augmentation tools. Due to its inherent characteristics evaporative cooling is thought as being only effective in geographic areas with high ambient air dry bulb temperature and low relative humidity. This paper clarifies, via literature review and thermal modelling examples, the fact that there is still potential for evaporative cooling in high temperature and relative humidity areas. The paper also estimates the maximum cost of the evaporative cooling installation that will yield a positive return of investment to plant owners in the decision of retrofitting evaporative cooling systems for the particular location of Lagos in Nigeria. In consequence power plant operators, especially those whose power generation assets are located on coastal environments, should be aware of the prospective benefits associated with such cooling technology. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.