GE Converts LM6000 Packages at Georgia Plant
GE Aeroderivative and Package Services (GEAPS) is currently converting three relocated GE LM6000PA aeroderivative gas turbine packages from 50 to 60 Hz service under a fast track schedule. As part of the conversions, GEAPS will uprate the LM6000s to PC configuration, and will install dual fuel and SPRINT spray intercooling systems. Previously the LM6000s operated for three years at a merchant power plant in Argentina.
Once the conversions are completed by early summer, the three LM6000s will operate in peaking mode, and will be co-located with an existing power plant in Mitchell County, GA. GEAPS received a contract from Baconton Power in Georgia for this conversion/uprate project.
"There are many aspects that make this project interesting and unique. First, Grady Electric Membership Corporation, Three Notch Electric Membership Corporation, and Cornerstone Energy Resources are developing the plant. These organizations had the foresight in 1998 to realize there would be a strong need for additional power in their region in the coming years," said Jim Robertson, general manager of GEAPS, a GE Power Systems business.
"Second, the plant owners saw the value in working with GE to convert the existing used packages because new gas turbine-generator sets would not be available for summer 2000 operation. With the SPRINT systems in place, each gas turbines' output will be boosted to 47 MW at ISO conditions."
The project marks the first time GE has field converted LM6000s from 50 to 60 Hz operation, Robertson said. These also are among the first aeroderivative gas turbines packaged by a GE Power Systems sister company, S&S Energy Products, to use variable frequency drive (VFD) liquid fuel booster pumps to both pump and meter fuel flow in one operation.
The VFD system replaces the traditional combination of a high-pressure pump skid and an in-package mounted flow control valve with a separate return line for excess fuel. The VFD system reduces the time required for liquid fuel piping and electrical wiring installation. Table 1 reviews some of the tasks to be undertaken by GEAPS as part of the conversions and uprates.
Once the conversions and uprates are completed at the customer site, the packages will join two GE LM6000PC SPRINT gas turbine-generator sets that have been operating since the summer of 1999 at the co-located SOWEGA plant. This was also a fast-track project by Cornerstone Energy Resources, based near Atlanta, GA. The LM6000 packages were sold and supplied by S&S Energy Products.
Grady EMC of Cairo, GA, Three Notch EMC of Donaldsonville, GA, and Cornerstone Energy Resources of Roswell, GA, share ownership of the plant.
Based in Houston, TX, GEAPS provides a broad range of aftermarket services for the gas turbine industry, including maintenance, repair and support from full engine overhaul to minor repairs, engine leasing and on site field service support. A variety of products and services are available for GE's LM gas turbines, as well as Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce and Solar units.
Edited by April C. Murelio
editor@poweronline.com