Operational Flexibility of GE’s F-Class Gas Turbines With the DLN2.6+ Combustion System

Abstract

F-class gas turbines comprise a major part of the heavy-duty gas turbine power generation fleet worldwide, despite increasing penetration of H/J class turbines. F-class gas turbines see a wide range of applications, including simple cycle peaking operation, base load combined cycle, demand following in simple or combined cycle, and cogeneration. Because of the different applications, local power market dynamics, and varied emissions regulations by region or jurisdiction, there is a need for operational flexibility of the gas turbine and the combustion system. In 2015, GE introduced a DLN2.6+ combustion system for new and existing 7F gas turbines. Approximately 50 are now in operation on 7F.04 and 7F.05 turbines, combining for nearly 150,000 fired hours. The system has been demonstrated to deliver 5 ppm NOx emissions @ 15% O2, and it exhibits a wide window of operation without significant thermoacoustic instabilities, owing the capability to premixed pilot flames on the main swirl fuel-air premixers, low system residence time, and air path improvements. Based on the success on the 7F, this combustion system is being applied to the 6F.03 in 2018. This paper highlights the flexibility of the 7F and 6F.03 DLN2.6+ combustion system and the enabling technology features. The advanced OpFlex* AutoTune control system tightly controls NOx emissions, adjusts fuel splits to stay clear of instabilities, and gives operators the ability to prioritize emissions or peak load output. Because of the low-NOx capability of the system, it is often being pushed to higher combustor exit temperatures, 35°C or more above the original target. The gas turbine is still meeting 9 or 15 ppm NOx emissions while delivering nearly 12% additional output in some cases. Single-can rig test and engine field test results show a relatively gentle NOx increase over the large range of combustor exit temperature because of the careful control of the premixed pilot fuel split. The four fuel legs are staged in several modes during startup and shutdown to provide robust operation with fast loading capability and low starting emissions, which are shown with engine data. The performance of a turndown-only fueling mode is highlighted with engine measurements of CO at low load. In this mode, the center premixer is not fueled, trading the NOx headroom for a CO emissions benefit that improves turndown. The combustion system has also demonstrated wide-Wobbe capability in emissions compliance. 7F.04 engine NOx and dynamics data are presented with the target heated gas fuel and also with cold fuel, producing a 24% increase in Modified Wobbe Index. The ability to run unheated fuel at base load may reduce the start-up time for a combined cycle plant. Lastly, there is a discussion of a new OpFlex* Variable Load Path digital solution in development that will allow operators to customize the start-up of a combined cycle plant.