The Control of NOx and CO Emissions from 7-MW Gas Turbines with Water Injection as Influenced by Ambient Conditions

Abstract

Interpretation of federal emissions regulations by a local regulatory agency resulted in the requirement to develop a special water control system for stationary gas turbines to meet stringent NOx and CO emissions limits. Extensive field testing of two 7-MW industrial gas turbines burning natural gas was performed to establish the effects of ambient air temperature, humidity and water injection on NOx and CO emissions. The predictions from a proven NOx model were shown to be within the uncertainty of the field measurements and were used to determine the water flow rates required when burning No. 2 distillate oil. Over the ambient temperature range considered, the analytical model predicted a linear increase in NOx emissions as ambient temperature increases. This was supported by the data gathered and the thermal NOx rate equation. Subsequently, a water injection system was successfully developed to control NOx and CO emissions from the 7-MW dual fuel gas turbine as a function of ambient temperature and turbine load.