H System™ Technology Update

Abstract

Responding to a global market demand for clean, reliable and low-cost energy, GE Power Systems introduced its newest, most advanced generation of gas turbines in 1995. Called the H System™ this technology uses higher efficiency and output to produce electricity at lower costs than any other gas-fired power generation system available today. Efficiency. The H System™ is designed to achieve 60% thermal efficiency, a major milestone in the power generation industry. The most efficient combined-cycle systems currently in operation reach 57–58% efficiency. The use of advanced materials and a unique, steam-cooling system enable the higher firing temperatures required for this increase in efficiency. The integrated closed-loop steam cooling system uses steam from the steam turbine bottoming cycle to more efficiently cool the critical gas turbine parts, and returns the steam to the bottoming cycle where it can produce additional work in the steam turbine. Environmental Performance. The H System™ burns natural gas, a much cleaner fuel than other options such as oil or coal. In addition, the system’s higher efficiency means that less fuel is needed to produce the same amount of power, further reducing emissions of CO2 and NOx. The closed-loop steam cooling system cools both the rotating and stationary gas turbine parts to maintain combustion chamber exit temperatures for low NOx emissions, while permitting the high gas turbine firing temperatures required for increased efficiency and output. Reliability. The H System™ is based on technology proven in millions of hours of GE aircraft engine and power plant service. In particular, the lessons learned throughout the development and 7.1 million hours of worldwide operating experience of GE’s F technology have been applied to the H System™. Status. This technology has been subjected to an extensive validation process. This process includes component, scale, and full size rig testing, Full Speed No Load factory tests, and culminates in Full Speed Full Load characterization testing in a commercial power plant. This paper discusses the validation process and status for the 50 Hz S109H and 60 Hz S107H in more detail.