LM6000: World’s first Battery-Gas Turbine Hybrid

GE and SCE (Southern California Edison) unveiled the world’s first battery-gas turbine hybrid system (LM6000) in Norwalk, California.

LM6000 Hybrid Electric Gas Turbine (Hybrid EGT)* supports quick start, fast ramping capabilities when they are needed. The unit integrates a 10 MW/ 4.3 MWh battery energy storage system capable of immediately providing power with GE’s proven 50MW. LM6000 is aeroderivative gas turbine. At the heart of the Hybrid EGT is a groundbreaking control system which seamlessly blends output between the battery and the gas turbine. The energy storage capacity of the battery has been specifically designed to provide enough time coverage to allow the gas turbine to start and reach its designated power output. As a result, the system does not need to burn fuel and consume water in stand-by mode to be able to dispatch power immediately when demand surges.

The first of two units GE has delivered for SCE only months after announcing initial deployment plans of this innovative technology. EGT will helps SCE balance variable energy supply and demand, including during evening hours when the sun sets and solar power production falls while electricity usage surges as customers return home and turn on lights and appliances.

Along with new emission control it, provides enhanced flexibility in the operation of the peaker while at the same time reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution by 60 percent. In addition, demineralized water consumption will be reduced by approximately 45 percent, saving two million gallons of water annually and increasing the life of the equipment.

President and CEO of Grid Solutions from GE Energy Connections, Reinaldo Garcia said that as the electrical grid network continues to evolve, with more intermittent renewables being added every day, products like the Hybrid EGT can help smooth out the delivery of electricity. Storage and the ability to quickly push power to the grid also play a key role in emergency situations, dispatching energy immediately to the grid ensuring that they are able help keep the lights on for everyone.