Evolution of Heavy-Duty Power Generation and Industrial Combustion Turbines in the United States

Abstract

This paper reviews the evolution of heavy-duty power generation and industrial combustion turbines in the United States from a Westinghouse Electric Corporation perspective. Westinghouse combustion turbine genealogy began in March of 1943 when the first wholly American designed and manufactured jet engine went on test in Philadelphia, and continues today in Orlando, Florida with the 160 MW, 501F Advanced Combustion Turbine. In this paper, advances in thermodynamics, materials, cooling, and unit size will be described. Many basic design features such as two-bearing rotor, cold-end drive, can-annular internal combustors, CURVIC2 clutched turbine discs, and tangential exhaust struts have endured successfully for over 40 years. Progress in turbine technology includes the clean coal technology and advanced turbine systems initiatives of the U.S. Department of Energy.

Limiting the Maintenance Impact of Frequency Regulation Duty on Simple and Combined Cycle Gas Turbine Power Plants

“…The relationship between airfoil surface temperature change and firing temperature change should be proportional to the total temperature ratio of 15007(816°C) airfoil metal temperature and 2300°F (1260°C) firing temperature, see Brandt (1988), Maghon (1993) and Scalzo (1994) for temperatures. Therefore the equivalent step change in firing temperature to initiate plastic strain would be about 225°F(125°C).…”

Westinghouse Combustion Turbine Performance in Coal Gasification Combined Cycles

“…The design of the 501F is a single shaft rotor, two-bearing support, generator driven from the compressor end, and an axial exhaust for simplified plant arrangements (Scalzo et al, 1994).…”

Advanced Turbine Systems Program conceptual design and product development. Task 3.0, Selection of natural gas-fired Advanced Turbine System

“…Over the years, Westinghouse has performed many engineering studies to determine optimum cycles to minimize the cost of electricity. Some of the more promising cycles (intercooled, multiple shafts, reheat, steam injected, and water injected at various locations) have been studied in detail (Scalzo et al, 1994). In the final analysis, the simple cycle gas turbine combined with a steam bottoming cycle (a synergistic combination of the Brayton and Rankine cycles) was developed to increase overall cycle efficiency.…”