Performance and Experience of the ABB TPL65VA Turbocharger With Variable Turbine Geometry on Medium-Speed Gas Engines for Generator Operation

Abstract

This paper presents the main features of an ABB turbocharger with integrated new variable geometry for the axial flow turbine and highlights its potential for improving medium-speed gas engine performance as well as the turbocharger’s adaptability to a wide range of engine applications and operating conditions. The main findings of field tests performed on a medium-speed lean burn gas engine are reported. Calibrated engine simulation computer models based on test results from a medium-speed 4-stroke gas engine with variable turbine geometry turbochargers in generator operation are used to describe the benefits expected by introducing the variable turbine nozzle ring instead of an exhaust waste gate as a gas engine control system. Special attention is paid to the investigation of the transient engine response. A direct comparison of the waste gate and VTG-control system shows the VTG-potential for further engine optimization in terms of transient response.