The GT13E2 gas turbine used in different applications, is a medium sized gas turbine of the 200 MW class. It has a 21-stage compressor with a variable inlet guide vane, an annular combustion system with closed loop combustor cooling and a 5-stage turbine. The annular combustion system includes 72 EV (EnVironmental) burners. The EV burner is a dry low NOx burner with a long operating history and is used in the entire Alstom gas turbine portfolio. Let us see how the GT13E2 upgrade further improves these capabilities.
Russian market requirements
A common Russian market requirement is that the plant must be able to meet the steam needs of existing Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems, which are prevalent throughout Russia. Repowering is another important market segment, where existing conventional steam plants are transformed into the steam cycle for a combined cycle plant.
The choice of gas turbines is sometimes simply based on which provides the best fit with the existing power plant. The most challenging requirement for gas plants in the Russian market, however, is the need to deal with extremely wide ranges of ambient temperatures. Operating temperatures typically are specified as a range from –40°C to +40°C.
Well adapted gas turbine
The Alstom GT13E2 gas turbine is well adapted to the specific conditions of the Russian & CIS market and produces economic and clean power. Operation and experience records show that the GT13E2 is fit for power generation projects, including special applications like cogeneration projects for district heating, desalination or other industrial applications, or repowering opportunities.
The GT13E2 upgrade
New governmental regulations on emission reduction over a broad load range and for largely varying natural gas composition have or will be put in force. Varying energy demand during day/night and summer/ winter as well as the increasing number of wind and solar power generation units further make operational flexibility a key requirement.
To enhance performance and operational flexibility of the GT13E2, an upgrade has been defined, based on integration of a proven compressor with higher mass flow and better turndown capability, and upgraded combustion system.
The GT13E2 upgrade brings performance improvements in engine nominal output and efficiency, combined cycle plant output, simple cycle and combined cycle part load efficiency, and engine performance at high ambient conditions. We shall see in detail some of these improvements, and discuss the other benefits in our next article.