Improved Cogeneration Energy Efficiency through Gas Turbine Auto-Tuners and Optimizers

We have partnered with Ethos Energy to install Ecomax / Tru-curve on our fleet of Gas Turbines in North America with plans to install globally in 2018. Real-time auto-tuning / optimization not only tunes for emissions but also allows us to optimize our Gas Turbines right up to their OEM firing temperature limits, producing additional electric MWs and HP steam and improving overall combined cycle heat rate.

The additional electric MWs are produced at a very low incremental heat rate (measured at 4.9 mmbtu/MW) and since we have a large steam demand onsite, additional steam produced at our higher firing temperature offsets steam that would have had to be duct fired at a much higher heat rate. The steam benefit is therefore measured as the delta fuel requirement from GT unfired steam versus the alternative duct fired steam. This makes this product an excellent fit for cogeneration applications paying for itself in 3 to 4 months.

Additionally, with all combustion dynamics tuned very low and automatic de-rate of the GT if tuning limits cannot be attained, we have observed reduced wear and tear on our combustion parts. We no longer have to pay for seasonal tuning or tuning coming out of maintenance turn-arounds.