Offering a 25% simple cycle power increase and an 18% boost in exhaust energy for cogeneration applications, GE Energy introduces the latest enhancement of its proven LM6000 aeroderivative gas turbine product line: the LM6000 PG with single annular combustor (SAC) and its dry low emissions (DLE) equivalent, the LM6000 PH.

The LM6000 PG and LM6000 PH will provide combined cycle power in the range of 65 megawatts with efficiencies ranging from 52% to more than 55%, depending on selected emissions control methods. The power increase comes from the same 4.5m X 21.5m package footprint as existing 50 Hz LM6000 technology, yielding a power density improvement of nearly 20%.

Leveraging a product heritage of over 735 installed units and 16 million operating hours with over 99% reliability, the improved combined cycle efficiency of the LM6000 PG and LM6000 PH can reduce fuel consumption by the equivalent of 33,000 barrels of oil per year, when compared to other similar aeroderivative solutions in its class. GE’s LM6000 uprate also reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 6,500 tonnes over the course of a typical operating year – the same emissions reduction achieved by removing 2,500 cars from the road annually.

“To meet the demands of today’s competitive energy industry, power producers are seeking new levels of equipment performance,” noted Charles (Chip) Blankenship, general manager of GE Energy’s aeroderivative business. “The development of this more powerful member of the well-established LM6000 family is the latest example of GE’s commitment to meet the requirements of our customers worldwide.”

Key to the improvements on the LM6000 are material and technology upgrades previously demonstrated on the CF6-80E and GE90 aircraft engine and the LMS100®. Both the LM6000 PG and PH have been designed with specific attention to commonalities between the 50 and 60 Hz offerings, allowing operators to benefit from a global experience base. Supporting strong global demand, the LM6000 PG will be available in the first half of 2010 with the LM6000 PH following approximately a year later. The 60 Hz packages will be assembled in GE’s Houston, Texas facility, while the 50 Hz packages will be manufactured in GE’s Hungary facility.

GE Energy’s aeroderivative division is a leading supplier of aeroderivative gas turbines and packaged generator sets for industrial and marine applications. The company provides power-generating equipment to utilities, industries and marine fleets throughout the world. It is also the world’s largest and most experienced aeroderivative gas turbine service provider.