System and method for gas turbine inlet air heating

A gas turbine system for part load efficiency improvement and anti-icing within the inlet (16) and at the compressor inlet is described. The system includes a gas turbine (12) having a compressor (13) which receives inlet-air (18). A direct-contact heat exchanger (30) heats the inlet-air (18) before the inlet-air (18) flows through the inlet (16) and to the compressor (13). Heating the inlet-air (18) reduces an output of the gas turbine (12) and extends the turndown range, and avoids ice-forming conditions within the inlet (16) and at the compressor inlet bellmouth. The direct-contact heat exchanger (30) may also be configured to act as an evaporative cooler, air chiller, or to use liquid dessicant.