Wood Group GTS power augmentation systems improve performance on Frame 7EA gas turbines

HOUSTON, Oct. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Wood Group GTS has completed the installation of four EcoValue™ power augmentation systems on four GE Frame 7EA gas turbines at a 300MW cogeneration plant in Texas. The EcoValue system increases turbine output and efficiency and the plant is experiencing significant performance improvements, yielding 11.5% increase in power output and a 2.5% decrease in heat rate on one combined cycle block (two gas turbines and one steam turbine).

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The EcoValue implementation followed an earlier performance improvement using similar technology.  In 2009, the plant commissioned two compressor water wash systems that resulted in each turbine providing additional power output of up to 2 – 3 MW and a 0.2% – 0.3% improvement in heat rate.

"The performance benefits witnessed from installing the online water wash systems provided a compelling argument for further investment in power augmentation technology. Increased power, decreased heat rate and improved reliability are attributes that all power station owners and operators look for to improve plant performance," said Wood Group GTS President of Power Plant Services Frank Avery. "Our EcoValue power augmentation technology delivers a high rate of return for relatively low investment, enabling us to provide up to 6 MW per turbine of additional output while saving fuel. This greatly increases the total life cycle value of their investment in gas turbine technology."

Along with the supply of power to the plant's own air processing plant, excess power can now be sold into the local power distribution grid, while steam is provided to neighboring process facilities.

Note to Editors:
Wood Group is an international energy services company with around $7bn sales, employing about 43,000 people worldwide and operating in 50 countries. The Group has three businesses – Wood Group Engineering, Wood Group PSN and Wood Group GTS – providing a range of engineering, production support, maintenance management and industrial gas turbine overhaul and repair services to the oil & gas and power generation industries worldwide.  www.woodgroup.com

Wood Group GTS is a leading independent provider of rotating equipment services and solutions for clients in the power and oil & gas markets. Worldwide, these services include: power plant engineering, procurement and construction; facility operations & maintenance; and repair & overhaul, optimisation and upgrades of gas and steam turbines, pumps, compressors and other high-speed rotating equipment. www.woodgroupgts.com

EcoValue power augmentation systems using wet compression technology is the addition of water directly into the compressor increasing efficiency by intercooling the air as the water evaporates.

SOURCE Wood Group GTS