Major Milestones Reached for the Newest Versions of GE’s LM6000 Aeroderivative Gas Turbines
HOUSTON, TEXAS and RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL—October 7, 2010—GE’s (NYSE:GE) LM6000-PG and LM6000-PH, the latest enhancements of the proven LM6000 aeroderivative gas turbine product line, have both recently hit critical validation testing milestones. The LM6000-PG completed more than 160 hours of validation testing and exceeded performance expectations. The LM6000-PH, which is the dry low emissions equivalent of the PG, will begin first engine to test (FETT) qualifications in late 2010. The new LM6000-PH engine package includes the latest advancements in dry low emissions (DLE 2.0) technology. In addition, the next-generation LM6000-PG with single annular combustor has begun package testing at GE’s manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas.
These next generation LM6000 products are based on a product heritage of nearly 1,000 installed units and 20 million operating hours with more than 99.8 percent reliability and complete operational flexibility that has made the LM6000 the engine of choice in its class by the energy industry over the last 15 years. Key to the improvements on the LM6000-PG and -PH are materials and technology upgrades previously demonstrated on the CF6-80E aircraft engine fleet, which has 449 engines in operation with more than 8.4 million flight hours and powers some of the world’s largest wide-body aircraft.
The newest LM6000 aeroderivative gas turbines offer a 25 percent simple-cycle power increase and an 18 percent boost in exhaust energy for cogeneration applications. The increased output comes from the same 4.5m X 21.5m package footprint as existing 50 Hz LM6000 technology, yielding a power density improvement of nearly 20 percent. On a two–by-one, combined-cycle configuration, they are designed to provide power up to 150 megawatts, with thermal efficiency up to 53 percent, depending on selected configuration.
The improved combined-cycle efficiency of the LM6000-PG and LM6000-PH can reduce fuel consumption by the equivalent of 33,000 barrels of oil per year versus other aeroderivative solutions in their class. GE's LM6000 uprates also reduce CO2 emissions by 6,500 tons over the course of a typical operating year, or the same emissions reduction achieved by removing 2,500 cars from the road annually.
Providing an increase in power and reduced fuel consumption and emissions, the first LM6000-PG unit will be installed at Turlock Irrigation District’s Almond Power Plant near Turlock, Calif. Shipment to the site will be in February 2011.
“Around the world, our customers are telling us it’s no longer enough to provide equipment with GE’s industry-leading high levels of power output, economy, reliability and availability,” said Darryl Wilson, vice president—aeroderivative gas turbines for GE Power & Water. “Today’s, and tomorrow’s, customers want those capabilities PLUS low emissions and fuel flexibility. The latter is particularly important for Brazil, with its vast agricultural and other resources. That is why we designed the LM6000 engine to achieve outstanding performance whether the fuel is natural gas, biofuel or ethanol.”
Initial testing of the LM6000-PH is taking place at the GE facility in Evendale, Ohio. The package-testing milestone for the LM6000-PG validates the design of the gas turbine and the new power generation package design, which allows a power and emission advantage for the LM6000-PG and the LM6000-PH with DLE, respectively. Testing for both engine and package is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2010.
The LM6000-PG and -PH also have been designed with specific attention to commonalities between the 50 and 60 Hz offerings, allowing operators to benefit from a global experience base. Supporting strong global demand, LM6000-PH 60 Hz packages will be assembled in GE's Houston, Texas, facility, while the 50 Hz packages will be manufactured in GE's Hungary facility.
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) is a diversified infrastructure, finance and media company taking on the world’s toughest challenges. From aircraft engines and power generation to financial services, health care solutions and television programming, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs about 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.
GE serves the energy sector by developing and deploying technology that helps make efficient use of natural resources. With nearly 85,000 global employees and 2009 revenues of $37 billion, GE Energy www.ge.com/energy is one of the world’s leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technologies. The businesses that comprise GE Energy—GE Power & Water, GE Energy Services and GE Oil & Gas—work together to provide integrated product and service solutions in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; and other alternative fuels.
