How does high humidity affect gas turbine performance?

High humidity affects gas turbine performance primarily because the presence of water vapor in the air can impact combustion dynamics. When humidity is high, the amount of oxygen available for combustion is effectively reduced due to the fact that water vapor takes up space in the intake air. This reduction in oxygen concentration leads to less efficient combustion, as the fuel cannot burn as effectively without an adequate supply of oxygen.

Additionally, high humidity can lead to changes in the thermodynamic properties of the intake air, such as density and specific heat, which can further reduce the overall performance of the gas turbine. As a result, the gas turbine may experience a decrease in power output and an increase in the need for fuel to achieve the same level of performance as under drier conditions.

Understanding these effects is crucial for operators and engineers to optimize turbine performance and efficiency in varying environmental conditions.