EXAMINE FULL IMPACT OF INJECTING STEAM INTO GAS-TURBINE SYSTEMS

The injection of steam into a gas turbine has gained recognition as a relatively simple way of controlling the production and emission of nitrogen oxides, augmenting gas turbine power output, and providing added operating flexibility to gas-turbine-based cogeneration systems. The technique is available for a variety of large and small gas turbines and is being proposed for use in still larger turbines as a competitor to combined cycle systems. The purpose of this article is to show that the apparent simplicity of injecting steam belies the substantial impact that it can have on the overall power system. Some of the problems that field experience has shown can arise are discussed.