Alstom Gas Turbine Technology Overview/Status 2013
Market requirements for the gas turbine business have significantly changed in the last years due to a stronger demand for lifecycle cost optimization and the increased share of renewable energy. Gas turbine technology development focus must be adapted accordingly. The need for increased efficiency throughout the operation range, particularly at part load, requires more accurate and faster design methods and prediction capabilities. At the same time, technologies must be developed and validated to increased flexibility in many areas, including unlimited operation range (without aerodynamic, mechanical or emission constraints), fuel types and composition, and faster ramp up rates (despite the increased thermal stress to gas turbine components) to stabilize the grid and to compensate for intermittent renewable power generation. Further lifecycle optimization counts on new technologies in reconditioning, lifetime monitoring and improved lifetime prediction. This paper provides an overview of the recent research and development activities, the approach to bring them into a product and the resulting trend in Alstom gas turbine technologies.