Steam Injection of Frame 5 Gas Turbines for Power Augmentation in Cogeneration Service

A large chemical plant in France generates both electricity and steam using a fleet of Frame 5 gas turbines. During the winter months when maximum generation capacity is utilized, excess steam may be produced. Instead of venting to atmosphere, the excess steam will now be injected into two gas turbines through a steam injection system. Power increases of up to 29.6% were achieved during testing with a corresponding increase in cogeneration fuel conversion efficiency of up to 4.8%. This paper describes the preliminary engineering, design, fabrication, installation, test and operation of the steam injection system for the two Frame 5 gas turbines.