World’s First LM5000 to LM6000 Cogeneration Plant Repowering
With the introduction of GE’s latest and most efficient gas turbine, the LM6000 in 1992, and the end of production of GE’s LM5000 gas turbine in 1997, the concept of repowering aging LM5000 gas turbine powered cogeneration plants with LM6000 gas turbines was an idea that most LM5000 owners and operators dreamed about. The LM6000 is an ideal replacement for the LM5000 as they both have nearly the same mass flow and exhaust gas temperature (critical for Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) compatibility), are about the same physical weight and dimensions, and can be operated in the same power range. Also, as the LM6000 is a current production model, it has more readily available spare gas turbines and turbine parts, has a much improved heat rate, lower emissions level, and has an option (SPRINT), for added power. In December 1999, the UAE Oildale Energy Facility became the first plant to operate with a newly installed LM6000 in its former LM5000 package. (This March the second LM5000 to LM6000 repowering was completed for Calpine Corporation at their Greenleaf #1 Cogeneration Plant in Yuba City, CA.) Energy Services, Inc., GE’s authorized LM6000 repowering OEM, designed, engineered and project managed the repowering. This paper will present the reasons UAE decided to repower; discuss the technical challenges encountered with, and modifications made to, the GEC ELM-150 cogeneration plant to accommodate the LM6000; review the schedule; and provide the economic benefits of the improved heat rate and reliability of the LM6000.