Patent ID: 6412285
Filing Date: 2002-07-02
Classification: F01K,F02C,Y02E

Abstract:
A combined cycle power plant comprising:a combustion turbine system having a compressor for producing compressed air, a combustor for combusting a fuel in said compressed air to produce combustion air, and a gas turbine for expanding said combustion air to produce mechanical energy and exhaust gas; a steam generator having an inlet for receiving said exhaust air and a plurality of sections located sequentially in a flow path of said exhaust gas for removing heat from said exhaust gas to produce at least one steam flow; a steam turbine system for receiving said at least one steam flow; and a cooling air flow path for directing a compressed air fraction from said compressor to at least one of said compressor and said gas turbine for cooling a portion thereof; wherein said cooling air flow path comprises a heat exchange system for receiving said compressed air fraction and for removing heat therefrom to produce a heated fluid flow and a cooled compressed air flow, wherein said heat exchange system comprises a chamber having a compressed air inlet and a compressed air outlet and at least one tube for flowing water for heat exchange with hot compressed air disposed in said chamber, and further comprising a flow separator for separating said heated fluid flow into water for recirculation to said tube in said chamber and a first steam flow, and at least one pump for pumping said water separated by said flow separator to said tube in said chamber.