Ansaldo Energia’s GT36 turbine model completes first phase validation program

Ansaldo Energia’s H-Class gas turbine model, GT36 Unit has successfully completed the first phase of the comprehensive validation program at the Birr Test Power Plant. The tests fully confirm the high performance, low emissions over the entire load range, and resulting very wide operation window of this engine.

The test program included stress testing of the two stages of the sequential combustion system, part and full load mapping, transient operation and performance testing. The validation engine is equipped with more than 3,000 measurement points, including a telemetry system which transfers more than 500 measurements from the rotating parts.

The test results reported for the GT36-S6 (60Hz rating) confirmed power output above 340 MW at 41% efficiency. In combined cycle this corresponds to performance exceeding 500 MW at 61.3% net efficiency in ISO conditions and 720 MW at 61.5% efficiency for the GT36-S5 (the 50Hz scaled version).

The unique characteristics of the GT36 provide a very useful response to power market requirements today and in the future, where combined cycle plants need to offer high efficiency coupled with high operational flexibility, because power output has to follow the fluctuating needs of the grid in order to compensate and back-up generation using intermittent renewable sources.

Image Source: Ansaldo Energia