Economic Analysis of Compressor Inlet Air Precooling Techniques of a Gas Turbine Operational in Nigerian Energy Utility Sector

Abstract

Economic analysis of gas turbine compressor inlet air precooling is based on the economical evaluation (maintenance, operations and personnel costs) of the various precooling systems used to improve the performance of gas turbine operational in Nigeria energy utility sector. The precooling techniques studied are evaporative, vapour compression and vapour absorption precooling techniques. This study objectively compared the three precooling techniques taking into consideration the prevailing climatic conditions of Nigeria. The overall yearly cost for evaporative, vapour compression and vapour absorption precooling techniques are evaluated to be USD25501.31/KWh, USD69867.19/KWh and USD1184548.01/KWh respectively and the payback time is three years. The system profitability for evaporative, vapour compression and vapour absorption precooling systems are USD1785376.83/KWh, USD7198182.79/KWh and USD11103747.4/KWh respectively and the payback time is three and a half year. The Net Revenue of the systems is USD8782909.21/KWh, USD15888192.52/KWh and USD84947043.84/KWh respectively. In conclusion, it is recommended that evaporative precooling system should be used in dry and humid weather conditions (Northern region of Nigeria) but it must be ensured that water is in abundance and refrigeration precooling should be employed in the moderate climatic conditions (Southern Region of Nigeria).