How mass flow and pressure ratio is related in case of a Gas Turbine

AI Thread Summary
Using an evaporative cooler to lower the inlet air temperature for a gas turbine increases the air density and mass flow rate, which leads to a rise in the compressor discharge pressure. Despite this observation, the performance characteristic curve indicates that the pressure ratio is inversely proportional to mass flow. The discussion seeks clarification on how the pressure ratio can increase with rising mass flow. The context involves a land-based application of an aeroderivative gas turbine driving a centrifugal compressor for natural gas compression. Understanding the relationship between mass flow and pressure ratio in this scenario is essential for optimizing turbine performance.
Ady707
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Hi,

As per my observation and experience, when we use evaporative cooler to cool the inlet air to the gas turbine, the compressor discharge pressure (i.e PCD or P3) rises. As, the temp. of the inlet air drops and the mass flow increases due to the increase in density, I believe the discharge pressure of the compressor also rises.

However, as per the performance characteristic curve of the compressor, the pressure ratio is inversely proportional to the mass flow.

Can please someone help me understand this
 
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Yes,your relation is absolutely right.
The conservation of mass (continuity) tells us that the mass flow rate mdot through a tube is a constant and equal to the product of the density r, velocity V, and flow area A:

Eq #1:

mdot = r * V * A
 
John Dalton said:
Yes,your relation is absolutely right.
The conservation of mass (continuity) tells us that the mass flow rate mdot through a tube is a constant and equal to the product of the density r, velocity V, and flow area A:

Eq #1:

mdot = r * V * A
I am interested in knowing that when the mass flow across the compressor rises what happen to the pressure ratio ?
 
Ady707 said:
Hi,

As per my observation and experience, when we use evaporative cooler to cool the inlet air to the gas turbine, the compressor discharge pressure (i.e PCD or P3) rises. As, the temp. of the inlet air drops and the mass flow increases due to the increase in density, I believe the discharge pressure of the compressor also rises.

However, as per the performance characteristic curve of the compressor, the pressure ratio is inversely proportional to the mass flow.

Can please someone help me understand this
Could you provide a bit more context ? You seem to know what you are describing, but we see only loose fragments.
 
If you provide more information and facts about your query,I am sure I will be able to help you out.
(By giving mathematical evidences).
 
BvU said:
Could you provide a bit more context ? You seem to know what you are describing, but we see only loose fragments.
It is a land based application of an aeroderivative gas turbine (twin shaft). Gas turbine is driving a centrifugal compressor to compress a natural gas to a certain pressure. We have installed an evaporative cooler to cool the inlet air to the gas turbine. Now, as the inlet air is cooled down, the air got dry, and the density of the air increases and so is the mass flow. As this happens, I observe that the pressure ratio across the integral compressor (gas generator) of the gas turbine increases. I want to understand why this is so that pressure ratio increases with the increase in mass flow ?

I hope I am pretty clear this time. :)

Thanks.
 
Due to the constant never ending supply of "cool stuff" happening in Aerospace these days I'm creating this thread to consolidate posts every time something new comes along. Please feel free to add random information if its relevant. So to start things off here is the SpaceX Dragon launch coming up shortly, I'll be following up afterwards to see how it all goes. :smile: https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacex/
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