Heat Transfer and Pressure Drop Performance of an Intercooler in a Gas Turbine Power Plant Using Graphene Oxide Nanofluids

Muñoz J.P.; Quispe D.T.; Loaiza J.V.; Vidal Y.S.; Canazas J.; Diaz C. · International Journal of Heat and Technology (2025) · DOI: 10.18280/ijht.430602

Resumen

Coolants are a fundamental component in the performance of heat exchange systems. Specifically, in a gas turbine power plant intercooler, coolants are used to cool the hot air prior to the second compression stage. Advanced coolants such as nanofluids can improve heat transfer performance in these systems. This study investigates the thermal performance and pressure drop of an intercooler in a gas turbine power plant using graphene oxide-based nanofluids as the working medium. This intercooler was proposed based on two existing commercial technologies. Three cases were evaluated with different compression ratios in each compression stage. The results, initially evaluating the base fluid, showed that design parameters such as flow and temperature influence the heat transfer performance and pressure drop of the system. The intercooler's thermal efficiency is higher for cases with a higher compression ratio in the first stage of compression. Furthermore, the temperature delta influences system sizing. Finally, the addition of nanofluids showed an increase in the overall heat transfer coefficient and a reduction in the total intercooler volume. This study demonstrates the potential for implementing new commercial intercooler technologies in gas turbine plants.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa