The ecomagination EPR process combines both a rigorous internal analysis and a third-party verification of claims, quantifying operating and environmental performance benefits that accrue to GE’s customers by using ecomagination products. Ecomagination products are re-evaluated on a regular basis to ensure the continued validity of the analysis.
GE HEAT steam turbines improve plant efficiency and output for GE’s F-class combined-cycle technology, leading to a lower cost of producing electricity, a critical factor for success in today’s power generation industry. Higher efficiency translates into improved environmental performance with fewer emissions versus previous technology.
Nine GE HEAT steam turbines are currently in commercial operation in natural gas-fired, combined cycle power plants in the United States and Europe and collectively have surpassed 100,000 hours of commercial operation. The 109A-series GE HEAT steam turbine, offered in GE’s 109FB standard plant, has gained strong acceptance in Europe.
Two of these units have each surpassed 20,000 hours of operation, widely regarded as an industry milestone for proving turbine reliability. These milestone machines are operating at the Southern California Public Power Authority Magnolia facility in Burbank, Calif., and at the Tynagh Energy plant in County Galway, Ireland.
The HEAT steam turbine incorporates numerous improvements over earlier GE steam turbine designs, including a reaction-based, high-pressure turbine design capable of 2,400 psi operating pressure, which contributes to improved steam turbine performance. Integral covered buckets and nozzles ensure a high-quality steam path.
Abradable coating and brush seals developed in conjunction with GE Global Research minimize internal leakage while maintaining tight clearances. Extensive analysis and validation testing prior to its first application helped ensure the reliable operation of the HEAT technology.
