Abstract
This study investigates the effect of wet compression on the performance of the South Tripoli Gas Turbine Power Plant, considering the influence of ambient condition, namely ambient temperature and relative humidity, on both operating modes, with and without water injection. The analysis was conducted using IPSEpro simulation software for water injection ratios ranging from 0.5% up to 17%, focusing on both thermal and exergy performance under varying ambient conditions. The results show that wet compression significantly enhances the plant's thermal performance across all injection ratios, with more pronounced improvements at higher ratios. Specifically, the generated power increased by up to 64% at a 17% injection ratio, while thermal efficiency improved by up to 46% at the same ratio. Compressor performance was also improved, with a reduction in consumed work by as much as 24% at an ambient temperature of 15 °C and a decrease in compressor outlet temperature of approximately 16%. Conversely, the results revealed the adverse impact of increased ambient temperature and relative humidity in both operating modes. Additionally, high injection ratios (5%, 10%, and 17%) caused a substantial increase in exergy destruction in the compressor and combustion chamber. These findings highlight the trade-off between thermal performance gains and exergy penalties at higher injection ratios, emphasizing the importance of identifying an optimal injection level to maximize overall plant efficiency while minimizing exergy losses.