General Electric (GE) manufactures a wide range of gas turbines designed for various applications, including power generation, marine propulsion, and mechanical drives. These turbines are categorized into two main types: heavy-duty gas turbines and aeroderivative gas turbines. Below is an overview of the different types and their descriptions:
1. Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines
Heavy-duty gas turbines are designed for large-scale power generation and industrial applications. They offer robust performance, high efficiency, and the ability to handle multiple fuel types.
Key Models and Descriptions:
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7F-Series (7F.04, 7F.05, etc.):
- Power Output: 250-300 MW.
- Applications: Combined cycle and simple cycle power plants.
- Features: High thermal efficiency (up to 62% in combined cycle), robust reliability.
- Fuel: Natural gas or liquid fuels.
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9F-Series (9F.03, 9F.05):
- Power Output: 300-430 MW.
- Applications: Base-load and peaking power generation.
- Features: Flexible operation with fast ramp-up times and high efficiency.
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HA-Series (7HA, 9HA):
- Power Output: Up to 570 MW (7HA); Up to 900 MW (9HA) in combined cycle.
- Applications: Utility-scale power plants.
- Features: World’s largest and most efficient gas turbines, with thermal efficiency exceeding 64% in combined cycle.
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6B-Series:
- Power Output: ~42 MW.
- Applications: Small-scale power generation and mechanical drives.
- Features: Proven durability, fuel flexibility, and reliability in harsh conditions.
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6F-Series (6F.01, 6F.03):
- Power Output: ~75-87 MW.
- Applications: Distributed generation, mechanical drives.
- Features: Compact design and high performance for mid-sized plants.
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GT13E2:
- Power Output: ~200 MW.
- Applications: Base-load and peaking power.
- Features: High operational flexibility with lower emissions.
2. Aeroderivative Gas Turbines
Aeroderivative turbines are lightweight and compact, derived from aircraft jet engines. They are ideal for applications requiring high power-to-weight ratios, such as marine propulsion and distributed power generation.
Key Models and Descriptions:
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LM2500:
- Power Output: 22-25 MW.
- Applications: Marine propulsion, power generation, and mechanical drives.
- Features: High reliability, modular design, and rapid start-up.
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LM6000:
- Power Output: 42-57 MW.
- Applications: Peaking power plants, industrial power generation.
- Features: Quick start-up, high efficiency (~42%), and fuel flexibility.
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LM9000:
- Power Output: 65-75 MW.
- Applications: LNG compression, industrial power.
- Features: High efficiency (~44%) and reliability under harsh conditions.
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TM2500:
- Power Output: ~33 MW.
- Applications: Mobile power generation, emergency power.
- Features: Trailer-mounted for rapid deployment; used for temporary or fast-track power needs.
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LM1600:
- Power Output: ~20 MW.
- Applications: Small-scale power generation, mechanical drives.
- Features: Compact design and rapid response.
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LM500:
- Power Output: ~6 MW.
- Applications: Small-scale marine and power generation.
- Features: Lightweight, suitable for smaller vessels.
3. Industrial Gas Turbines
These are specialized gas turbines designed for industrial power generation and mechanical drive systems in the oil and gas sector.
Key Models and Descriptions:
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Frame 5:
- Power Output: ~30 MW.
- Applications: Base-load and backup power.
- Features: Rugged design, ideal for remote or challenging environments.
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Frame 6:
- Power Output: ~40 MW.
- Applications: Medium-sized power plants.
- Features: High reliability and efficiency in small-scale plants.
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Frame 9:
- Power Output: 120-200 MW.
- Applications: Utility-scale power generation.
- Features: Durable for continuous operation.
Key Differentiators
- Heavy-Duty Turbines: Optimized for large-scale, high-capacity power generation.
- Aeroderivative Turbines: Best for fast response, mobility, and space-constrained applications.
- Industrial Turbines: Tailored for mechanical drives and smaller power plants.
GE gas turbines are renowned for their flexibility, efficiency, and innovation, serving diverse industries and applications worldwide.