Gas Turbine offers improved efficiency.

Press Release Summary:



Built upon Frame 6FA gas turbine technology, Model PG6111FA offers output increase to 75.9 megawatts and heat rate improvement of 2.7% over previous model. Combined-cycle service provides 117.7 megawatt output with 54.7% efficiency. Firing temperature is rated to 2420°F and pressure ratio is 15.6. DLN-2.6 combustion system is capable of 15 ppmvd NOx. Turbine suits a variety of installations, including combined heat and power and cogeneration.



Original Press Release:


GE Uprates Its Frame 6FA Gas Turbine For Higher Output And Efficiency


New Machine Lowers the Cost of Electricity

ATLANTA, GEORGIA (May 16, 2002) - Continuing the evolution of its F technology to meet today's customer requirements for higher efficiency and lower life-cycle costs, GE Power Systems introduces an uprated version of the Frame 6FA gas turbine. Designated the PG6111 FA, the uprated machine offers an output increase of 9.2% and a heat rate improvement of 2.7%.

The 6FA is the mid-sized member of GE's F technology family which has surpassed five million fired hours, making GE the clear global leader in advanced gas turbine operating experience. Since the 6FA joined the F technology fleet in 1993, GE has received 53 orders or commitments worldwide for these units, including 27 in Europe. With more than 400,000 reliable operating hours, the 6FA is a well-proven product.

The uprated 6FA will offer an output of 75.9 megawatts and 35% efficiency in simple-cycle applications. In combined-cycle service, the machine will have an output of 117.7 megawatts with 54.7% efficiency, a one-point improvement. These advances add up to a 2.8% improvement in the cost of electricity for these machines. The first PG6111FA is scheduled to ship in the second quarter of 2003.

"All design improvements to the 6FA were made incrementally, based on proven materials and operating experience," said Thierry Pourchot, GE product line leader. "By investing in projects such as the 6FA uprate, we also are investing in the long-term success of our customers."

The primary factors leading to the improved performance of the 6FA include a 40° C increase in firing temperature to 1327° C (2420° F), a 3% increase in airflow, and a higher pressure ratio of 15.6, compared to the previous 14.6. These enhancements were achieved by directly scaling GE's current Frame 7FA gas turbine, thus migrating the design and the operational experience of the Frame 7 machine to the 6FA.

The increase in firing temperature for the 6FA was achieved through improvements in component materials and cooling, and by elevating the pressure ratio. Also critical to the upgrade was the expanded use of film cooling and thermal barrier coating for turbine nozzles and buckets.

The enhanced 6FA features GE's advanced DLN-2.6 combustion system, capable of 9 ppmvd NOx, on the 7FA and designed to achieve 15 ppmvd NOx, on the 6FA. With its output range, high exhaust energy, full packaging and robust design, the 6FA is well-suited for a variety of installations including combined heat and power and cogeneration. The Frame 6FA machines are manufactured in GE Power Systems' facility in Belfort, France.

About GE Power Systems

GE Power Systems (www.gepower.com) is one of the world's leading suppliers of power generation technology, energy services and management systems with 2001 revenues exceeding $20 billion. GE Power Systems provides equipment, services and management solutions across the power generation, oil and gas, distributed power and energy rental industries.

For more information, contact:

Dennis Murphy
GE Power Systems
(770) 859-6948
dennis.murphygps.ge.com

Ken Darling or Howard Masto
Masto Public Relations
(518) 786-6488
ken.darling@mastopr.com
howard.masto@mastopr.com

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