Thermal Management and Reliability Enhancement of GE Gas Turbine Exhaust Frame Blowers through Relocation and Design Simulation

Abstract

This study aims at solving industrial turbine issues by relocating the blower system to a cooler area and validate its performance using computational fluid dynamics simulations to model the airflow, pressure distribution and thermal management capabilities under simulated Warri Refining and Petrochemical operating conditions. The research method involves analytical design process using solid works for the geometric modelling of a backward-inclined blower and a configuration selection for high efficiency and stable characteristics with key design parameters of an impeller with an inlet blade of 35° and an outlet angle of 26°. This was to maintain improved operating temperatures and aerodynamic performance, thereby preventing thermal induced trips of the gas turbine units. The simulation results provided a detailed analysis of the blower’s performance, showing its potential to deliver the required volumetric flow rate and static pressure necessary to effectively cause heat from the gas turbine exhaust frame. The findings indicated that the relocation reduces inlet temperature by approximately 60°C, improves flow uniformity, and improves colling efficiency compared to existing systems. The CFD analysis confirms that the backward-inclined impeller geometry generates a stable, high-volume airflow that effectively reduces the risk of overheating, even under the challenging ambient conditions available in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.