Derived from aviation technology, GE’s aeroderivative portfolio features highly flexible and mobile technologies for use in a wide variety of applications. Aeroderivative turbines provide cheaper power, a better-quality grid and cleaner power with lower emissions compared with reciprocating engines. They can also be installed quickly—in as little as a few weeks—to help alleviate frequent outages.

From higher efficiency and lower costs to faster, cleaner, higher quality power, aeroderivative gas turbines have many benefits over reciprocating engines. And we should know: GE has been in the aeroderivatives business for 50 years, with more than 150 million operating hours and more than 3000 units in operation.

Cheaper power
Aeroderivative engines can save up to $16 million USD per year in fuel costs when used in a combined-cycle configuration because they have a significantly lower heat rate when compared to reciprocating engines.

Less maintenance
Aeroderivative gas turbines need maintenance only once a year, or when they have been in operation for 4,000 hours. Compared to high-speed reciprocation engines—which require 50 times more maintenance events per year—aeroderivatives save more than 13,000 man hours over a 3-year maintenance cycle.

High availability
Aeroderivative gas turbines have the highest availability of any thermal power technology. An aeroderivative gas turbine can be replaced in a few days for a major inspection, which translates to higher availability—up to 98.2% as compared to reciprocating engines, which average 93% availability.

Diverse fuel options
With the ability to operate on a wide spectrum of fuels—including natural gas, LPG (propane and butane), isopentane, ethanol, diesel, and Coke Oven gas—aeroderivative gas turbines can allow customers to switch between fuels to save money, all without stopping, and without a reduction in power. Using diverse fuel sources doesn’t just increase reliability, it also results in significant fuel savings—from $12 million up to $43 million per year—as compared to the fuel costs of a high-speed reciprocating engine.*
*Fuel savings range based on a natural gas price of $1–4/MMBTU and a diesel gas price of $6– 12/MMBTU.

Fast installation
Because they are small and modular, aeroderivatives can be transported, installed and commissioned in as little as 3 months, as compared to 12-18 months for reciprocating engines. They can be installed outdoors with minimal foundation requirements, making them an effective solution for any region that needs fast, clean, reliable power.

Fast response rate
GE’s aeroderivative gas turbines feature a power turbine and high-pressure shaft that work together to respond quickly to grid frequency fluctuations, helping ensure a more stable and reliable grid.

Lower emissions
Equipped with best-in-class combustion systems, aeroderivatives can offer 15 or 25 ppm NOx without needing SCRs (selective catalytic reduction) or the use of ammonia.

Enabling renewables
Aeroderivative gas turbines allow renewables to operate when needed, saving fuel and maintenance—and maintaining a stable grid to allow the integration of more renewables in the future.

Smaller footprint
Because they have about 22 times more power output per unit than comparable high-speed diesel reciprocating engines, GE’s aeroderivative power plants take up less space—a real advantage where real estate is expensive. *
*comparison based on a 3x1 cc LM2500 and a 115 MW reciprocating plant