Patent ID: 6173563
Filing Date: 2001-01-16
Classification: F01K,F02C,Y02E

Abstract:
A method for cooling the inlet air to a gas turbine combined cycle plant having a heat recovery steam generator (""HRSG"") as part of a bottoming cycle, whereby said inlet air is at ambient temperature before cooling, said method comprising:(a) initially heating a multi-component working fluid consisting of higher and lower boiling components by exposing said multi-component working fluid to a portion of a waste heat from the gas turbine exhaust;(b) evaporating part of said working fluid to generate an enriched vapor fraction that is enriched with the lower boiling point component relative to said working fluid;(c) separating said enriched vapor fraction from said working fluid in a vapor-liquid separator and condensing the vapor into an enriched liquid;(d) subcooling a portion of said enriched liquid by reducing the pressure of said enriched liquid; and(e) cooling said inlet air to said gas turbine through heat exchange with said portion of said subcooled and enriched liquid.