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World’s most efficient combined cycle power plant
A 605 MW gas-fired combined cycle power plant in north-east France has entered the Guinness World Records as the most efficient combined cycle power plant, achieving an efficiency rate up to 62.2%.
The EDF plant in Bouchain, which features a GE ‘HA’ gas turbine, can also reach full power in less than 30 minutes from cold start, according to GE, allowing more flexibility compared to more cumbersome units. It is the first combined cycle plant to use the turbine from GE.
The plant uses a digital control system and real-time data to enable such high levels of efficiency.
The 605 MW plant, which will supply around 700,000 French homes, includes a compressor that could pump up the Goodyear blimp in 10 seconds, says GE. The tip of the last blade in the turbine moves at 1,200 mph – nearly twice the speed of sound.
GE'S HA gas turbine
Photo: GE Power
News Item details
Journal title: Energy World
Subjects: Manufacturing engineering, Energy efficiency, Electricity generation, Electricity, Primary energy production, Gas, Combined cycle gas turbine
