December 9, 2003 -- LAS VEGAS, NEVADA -- GE introduced the LMS100, the world's most efficient simple-cycle gas turbine, today at Power-Gen International 2003. The LMS100 is the most extensive collaboration of design and manufacturing in GE's history, with four GE business units and three other companies participating in the development program.
The 100-megawatt LMS100 represents the first time GE has combined actual components from GE Power Systems' heavy-duty frame gas turbines and GE Aircraft Engines' aeroderivative gas turbines to provide significant improvements in gas turbine efficiency.
In simple cycle, the LMS100 has an efficiency of 46 percent, which is 10 percent greater than GE's highest efficiency gas turbine on the market today, the LM6000. In combined cycle, the efficiency is 54 percent. A key reason for the high efficiency is the use of off-engine intercooling technology within the compression section of the gas turbine. The LMS100 is the first modern production gas turbine in the power generation industry to employ this technology.
The LMS100 can be used in simple-cycle, combined heat and power and combined-cycle applications for power generation, and will be available for mechanical drive applications in the future. It offers characteristics not available in other 80- to 160-megawatt class gas turbines today, including high part-power efficiency, cycling capability without increased maintenance cost, low lapse rate for hot day power, and a modular design for ease of maintenance and high availability. It can start and achieve full power in 10 minutes and has load following capability. At 50% turndown, the part-power efficiency is 40%. This is greater than most gas turbines at full power in the market today. With a low hot day lapse rate, no inlet conditioning is required, reducing installed cost.
The LMS100 can operate in both 50- and 60-Hertz applications without the need for a speed-reducing gearbox. The aerodynamically coupled or free power turbine is designed to operate efficiently in either frequency by changing the first stage power turbine nozzle. All other gas turbine components are identical, providing cost savings and increased reliability.
Reliability was a major design requirement and focus for the LMS100. GE employed its experience and technology along with its Six Sigma processes for designed-in reliability. The design maximizes commonality across all configurations and applications, significantly reduces the required field control and mechanical interconnects, and provides redundancy where needed to assure maximum availability.
"The key markets for the LMS100 are the peak and mid-range dispatch power generation markets," said John Rice, president and CEO, GE Power Systems. "The fast start, cyclic capability and flexibility are significant benefits for customers in these markets. The product-unique characteristics also provide value to customers in combined heat and power plants. Application of the LMS100 in new and existing coal plants as a boiler feedwater heat source can produce electricity in a highly efficient manner."
"This program is a first for GE in that not only are multiple businesses providing expertise in the development, but they are also designing, manufacturing, sourcing, assembling and testing the product," said David Calhoun, president and CEO, GE Aircraft Engines. "This collaboration represents a global development and production effort."
Businesses involved with the development and production of the LMS100 include: - GE Aircraft Engines' (GEAE) Industrial Aeroderivative group of Evendale, Ohio is leading the program and designing the core engine, intermediate turbine frame, power turbine module, core engine control and leading the system engineering and integration efforts, including the intercooling system.
- GE Power Systems (GEPS) Gas Turbine Technology group of Greenville, S.C., is designing the low-pressure compressor, exit and inlet scrolls, power turbine aft shaft system and exhaust diffuser/collector. GE Aero Energy of Houston, Texas is designing the engine mounting system, package enclosure, control system software and auxiliary support systems.
- GE Industrial Systems is designing and supplying the control system using its new Mark VIe control system with dual-channel architecture.
- GE Global Research Center is conducting combustion testing and providing technical expertise.
- Avio, S.p.A. in Torino, Italy, is responsible for the design, development, manufacturing and assembly of the intermediate power turbine rotor/stator module and for the design of the power turbine as well as for the manufacturing of a large portion of the power turbine (PT) module components.
- Volvo Aero Corporation in Trollhattan, Sweden is designing and manufacturing the PT case and compressor rear frame and manufacturing the IPT frame.
- Sumitomo Corporation of Japan is responsible for the supply of a significant share of production generators.
The LMS100 will undergo development testing beginning in May 2004. The first production units will be the standard annular combustor (SAC) configuration and will be available beginning in the second half of 2005. The steam injection for power augmentation (STIG) configuration will be available in early 2006, followed by the Dry Low Emissions (DLE) version in the second half of 2006.
The LMS100 can also be used in combined cycle to produce 120 megawatts at 54 percent efficiency. Adding duct firing in combined cycle can increase the plant output to 150 megawatts.
"The LMS100 represents a significant change in power generation technology. The marriage of frame technology and aircraft engine technology has produced unparalleled simple-cycle efficiency and power generation flexibility. It was definitely designed with the end customer's future requirements in mind," said Rice. "A survey of many customers was undertaken to determine their future needs for gas-fired power generation and the results were incorporated into the LMS100 development program. GE is the only company with the technology base and product experience to bring this innovative product to the power generation industry."
The new gas turbine was designed using Six Sigma quality processes. Key benefits that Six Sigma brings to this program include common language, tools and processes. Six Sigma helped engineers and managers integrate a product design across four GE businesses. The common language and tools allowed them to request specific information or specify requirements in a way for all others involved to understand what was needed and allowed the information to be provided in the format required.
GE Power Systems (www.gepower.com) is one of the world's leading suppliers of power generation technology, energy services and management systems, with 2002 revenues of nearly $23 billion. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, GE Power Systems provides equipment, services and management solutions across the power generation, oil and gas, distributed power and energy rental industries.
GE Aircraft Engines, a division of General Electric Company, is the world's leading manufacturer of jet engines for civil and military aircraft. GEAE also manufactures gas turbines, derived from its highly successful jet engine programs, for marine and industrial applications. In addition, GEAE provides comprehensive maintenance support, through its GE Engine Services operation, for GE and non-GE jet engines in service throughout the world. Visit GEAE online at www.geae.com.
Deb Case
GE Aviation
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