Design Flexibility Permits a 35000 HP Industrial Gas Turbine to Meet a Wide Range of Application Requirements

Abstract

Two recent applications for a heavy duty industrial gas turbine engine are discussed. The principal design requirements for both cases are compared and the design changes necessary to meet the requirements are illustrated. In the case of a main pipeline compressor driver, the need for high thermal efficiency over a wide range of loads is met by use of a regenerative cycle and by reprogramming the loading sequence. Long term step increases in engine capability were provided by incorporating a unique engine convertability feature. In the case of a process air compressor driver with exhaust heat recovery, the engine exhaust temperature and gas flow imposed constraints on engine capability during high ambient temperature operation and on engine operation at low ambient temperature conditions. The constraints were met by the use of steam injection to augment power at high ambient temperature conditions and by the use of variable inlet guide vanes to control exhaust flow at the low temperatures.