The Impact of Air Quality and Site Selection on Gas Turbine Engine Performance

Air pollution can have detrimental effects on combustion engine performance leading to blade fouling which reduces power output and requires frequent cleanings. This issue is a fairly well-known phenomenon in the power industry. However, site selection for gas turbine installation is rarely part of the decision making process, mainly due to lack of site selection options especially in an urban environment or due to a simple assumption that air quality at a local micro-level has no bearing on the performance of the engine. In this paper, we perform a CFD study on an area surrounding a Combined Heat and Power facility to assess the impact of local wind distribution on air quality and the performance of a gas turbine engine thereof. Several aerodynamic properties are suggested as possible indicators of air quality and/or high air particulate concentration. These indicators are then compared to data collected at various points in and around the plant. The results suggest that CFD analysis of surrounding terrain could provide motivation for gas turbine site selection and result in an increased efficiency.