Section B: Lessons learned in new build-projects and O&M

Thursday, 14 September 2017, 11:45-12:15h/B05

Advanced 7/9HA gas turbine operational experience update

Marcus Scholz, GE Power, Germany

The power generation industry is seeing unprecedented challenges. High fuel costs combined with an increased penetration of renewable power has resulted in greater demand for high efficiency and operational flexibility. Imperatives for a reduced carbon footprint and potential natural gas supply restrictions place an even higher premium on efficiency. Power producers are seeking highly efficient, reliable, and operationally flexible solutions that provide them long-term profitability in a volatile environment. New generation must also be cost-effective in order to ensure affordability for both home and industrial consumers.

Gas turbine combined cycle power plants provide reliable, dispatch able generation with low cost of electricity, reduced environmental impact, and improved flexibility. GE’s air-cooled, H-class gas turbines (7HA and 9HA) are engineered to achieve greater than 63 % net, combined cycle efficiency while delivering operational flexibility through low, emission-compliant turndown and high ramp rates. In parallel, the power plant has been configured for rapid construction and commissioning enabling timely revenue generation for power plant owners.

By offering high output, efficiency, and operational flexibility, the H-class platform provides one of the most cost effective conversions of fuel to electricity. These capabilities are enabled by 1) use of a simple air-cooling system for the turbine section that does not require external heat exchange and the cost and complexity associated with it, and 2) use of well-known materials and coatings with substantial operating experience and robust architecture at high firing temperatures.