Development of GT24 and GT26 (Upgrades 2011) Reheat Combustors, Achieving Reduced Emissions and Increased Fuel Flexibility

Abstract

The recent development of the Alstom’s sequential combustion system for the GT24 (60Hz) and GT26 (50Hz) upgrades 2011 is a perfect example of evolutionary design optimizations. Better overall performance is achieved through improved SEV burner aerodynamics and fuel injection, while keeping the main features of the sequential burner technology. In particular this results in further reduced NOx and CO emissions over widest possible load range and allows operation with fuel gases with up to 18% of higher hydrocarbons (C2+) or a low Wobbe index. An extensive validation of the new sequential burners for GT24 and GT26 has been conducted, with a wide range of validation tools. This has included high pressure sector rig testing and full-engine tests at the Alstom Power Plant Birr, Switzerland. This paper presents the development and validation process, in terms of evolutionary design modifications and successful burner scaling, of the GT24 and GT26 (upgrades 2011) reheat combustors from concept phase to engine validation.