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In late May, GE Vernova announced that it is sending its 

trailer-mounted TM2500 mobile aeroderivative solution to the Bahamas

 to support the upcoming influx of tourists and mitigate power shortages. The mobile unit is expected to generate 30 MW of electricity for the area.

These mobile units offer rapid deployment and quick power generation, crucial for meeting peak demand and stabilizing grids with increasing renewable energy.

To shed light on how GE Vernova is addressing the rising demand for reliable power during summer months and how its mobile aeroderivative solutions give islands such as the Bahamas a means to modernize their power generation systems and provide stable, affordable electricity,

 interviewed Midhat Mirabi, GE Vernova’s Managing Director of Aero New Units.

TURBO: How is GE Vernova leveraging the growing global demand for reliable power, especially in regions with increasing tourist populations or transitioning to higher renewable energy penetration?

 GE Vernova is strategically addressing the rising global demand for reliable power by focusing on modular, flexible solutions tailored to the specific needs of regions like the Caribbean. The growth in electrification and tourism has driven a surge in energy demand—tourists typically consume more electricity due to amenities, such as air conditioning, placing additional strain on local grids.

Many Caribbean islands are small and lack the space or infrastructure for large traditional power plants. GE Vernova’s aeroderivative solutions are ideal here: modular, compact, and rapidly deployable, making them well-suited for regions with spatial constraints. Their modularity also reduces execution risks, thereby improving project bankability and financial viability.

Additionally, the increasing availability of gaseous fuels such as LNG and liquid ethane in the Caribbean provides cleaner, more efficient, and cost-effective alternatives to traditional heavy fuel oils. This fuel shift enables islands to modernize their power generation systems, moving away from older, less efficient technologies to cleaner, more sustainable solutions that support both economic growth and environmental objectives.

TURBO: Beyond supporting tourism and acting as a bridge for renewable integration, what other specific applications or industries is GE Vernova seeing an increasing need for its mobile aeroderivative solutions like the TM2500?

 When the first TM2500 unit was deployed in the Bahamas in 2020, the primary objective was to address anticipated peak power demands for the summer, following brownouts in 2019 caused by excessive demand. The TM2500 provided not only additional power but also significantly enhanced frequency stability, enabling greater renewable energy integration by addressing variability challenges.

Beyond its core applications, the TM2500’s flexibility and modular design have become increasingly vital in supporting the rapid expansion of hyperscale data centers. As the AI race accelerates, speed-to-power is emerging as a critical competitive differentiator. These facilities often require large-scale, dependable power well before permanent infrastructure is in place. The TM2500 enables fast, reliable bridge power to meet aggressive deployment timelines. Once permanent systems are established, the unit can continue as a primary or backup power source, or be redeployed, delivering portability, reusability, and long-term value.

A prime example is the deployment of seven TM2500 units to Ecuador during the 2009 hydro crisis. Facing severe power shortages, Ecuador rapidly installed these units in Pascuales, near Guayaquil, as part of the “Luces de Navidad” (Christmas Lights) project to stabilize the grid and ensure sufficient power through the holiday season. After water levels recovered, the units were relocated to Machala, a site nearby. In Machala, the TM2500s transitioned from their original emergency role to serving as peakers and grid stability providers, eventually evolving to operate as baseload units in response to sustained demand. Notably, some of these TM2500s remain in operation in Ecuador more than 15 years later, highlighting not just their effectiveness in crisis response but also their long-term utility and durability across evolving energy needs.

This example underscores the TM2500’s ability to provide both immediate relief in emergencies and sustained value for long-term applications across diverse industries beyond tourism and renewable integration.

TURBO: What are the typical setup and teardown times for a complete mobile power plant like the one sent to the Bahamas? What resources or services does GE Vernova provide to expedite and support these processes?

 The TM2500 and LM2500XPRESS units are specifically engineered for rapid deployment. Typically, these units can be set up within approximately two weeks with a team of around 20 people. The LM2500XPRESS requires a 220-ton crane, while the TM2500 needs only a 40-ton crane. Thanks to their modular design and a limited number of mechanical and electrical interconnections—only 25 pre-manufactured and labelled electrical cables—installation is both fast and low-risk.

In the Bahamas, the first TM2500 was installed and commissioned by GE Vernova in one month, reflecting a planned, non-emergency deployment timeline. Typically, GE Vernova provides supervisory engineers while local engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) or engineering firms perform the installation. This hybrid model accelerates project execution by leveraging local capabilities, reduces costs, and builds in-country technical capacity.

An example of the TM2500’s rapid deployment was demonstrated at GE Vernova’s manufacturing center in Veresegyhaz, Hungary, where a fully operational TM2500 was shut down, decommissioned, transported to another site, and returned to full power within just 48 hours. Although this operation was carried out by factory personnel who were deeply familiar with the equipment, it illustrates the remarkable speed and efficiency achievable with these mobile power units.

TURBO: As islands like the Bahamas increasingly rely on renewables, how does GE Vernova's mobile power technology specifically contribute to improving grid frequency control and enabling the seamless integration of more intermittent renewable generation?

 In the Caribbean, power generation has traditionally relied on reciprocating engines, often running on diesel or heavy fuel oil. While these engines are reliable, they have low inertia, meaning that even small fluctuations in load or generation can result in significant frequency variations on the grid, posing serious stability challenges.

The problem is exacerbated with natural gas reciprocating engines, which typically exhibit slow response times. If one unit trips, the remaining engines are often unable to ramp up quickly enough to stabilize frequency, leading to potential grid instability. This slow reaction time is a considerable drawback when integrating renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which are inherently intermittent and can cause rapid shifts in power supply.

In contrast, GE Vernova’s aeroderivative turbines—such as the TM2500 and LM2500—offer high inertia and rapid response capabilities. The dual-shaft design of these turbines allows the power-generating shaft to respond quickly and independently to fluctuations in grid frequency. When a frequency dip occurs, these turbines can swiftly ramp up their output, helping to stabilize the grid in real-time.

For instance, the LM2500 has a ramp rate that rivals much larger turbines, making it well-suited for balancing the variability introduced by renewables. This responsiveness ensures stable and reliable power even as renewable penetration increases. Beyond operational advantages, transitioning from traditional reciprocating engines to cleaner-burning natural gas turbines significantly reduces emissions, including NOx, particulate matter, and sulfur. This results in improved air quality and supports broader sustainability goals.

An illustrative case is the Bahamas, where moving from reciprocating engines to the TM2500 not only improved frequency stability, allowing for the use of more renewables, but also led to a dramatic reduction in visible emissions. The plant manager in the Bahamas noted that, upon starting the TM2500, there was no noticeable smoke—a striking contrast to the black plumes typically emitted by older reciprocating engines.

In summary, GE Vernova’s mobile power technology provides a dual benefit: It offers the grid stability necessary to support increased renewable integration while simultaneously delivering a more sustainable energy solution for island power systems.

TURBO: Beyond the Caribbean, are you seeing an uptick in mobile power? If so, what are your customers' concerns?

 Yes, there is a notable increase in demand for mobile power solutions beyond the Caribbean, driven by the rapid expansion of data centers, the broader transition to renewable energy, and the need for emergency power after natural disasters. In all these scenarios, mobile power offers a critical bridge delivering fast, flexible, and reliable energy when and where it’s needed most.

Customers consistently tell us their top priority is speed. Whether it’s energizing a new data center, supporting grid stability, or responding to a natural disaster, they need power solutions that can be deployed in days, not months. Flexibility is equally vital. The ability to redeploy or repurpose mobile units as needs evolve offers tremendous long-term value and resilience. The Ecuador experience is a powerful example showcasing speed and adaptability of these assets over time.

Sustainability is also top of mind. As access to lower-carbon fuels like LNG and liquid ethane expands, mobile power is becoming a more environmentally viable part of the energy transition. At GE Vernova, we’re helping customers navigate this shift with modular, fuel-flexible designs and the engineering expertise to integrate seamlessly with local infrastructure.

There’s a real sense of optimism in this space. Mobile power is no longer just a short-term solution; it is a strategic enabler for countries and companies looking to build energy systems that are faster, cleaner, and more resilient for the future.

Midhat Mirabi of GE Vernova says mobile power stabilizes the grid to support renewable integration and delivers a sustainable energy solution for island power systems.

GE Vernova Says Flexibility, Speed, and Reliability are Mobile Power’s Superpower

Ansaldo Energia and MVM Tisza Erőmű signed a contract to supply and maintain two gas turbines, two steam turbines, and two associated generators fo

a combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant at the Tiszaújváros site in eastern Hungary. Calik Holding will execute turnkey planning, procurement, and construction while Ansaldo Energia manufactures and maintains its gas turbines under a long-term service agreement.

“The construction of the new power plant is of historic importance, as no new baseload power plant has been built in Hungary in the past one and a half decades,” said Csaba Lantos, Hungarian Minister of Energy. “It is also a crucial step for domestic energy production, as it contributes to strengthening energy independence, improving supply security, and achieving our climate goals. The new facility will balance renewable electricity production, thereby supporting the successful energy transition.”

Once commercial operation starts, the 1,000-MW CCGT power plant will use its two-block construction to generate 7,500 GWh of electricity per year for Hungary’s power grid. In addition, the Tiszaújváros site offers current electricity grid connections, a cooling water system, and local natural gas access, making the MVM facility Hungary’s largest and most efficient plant to date. Ansaldo Energia gas turbine technology is hydrogen-suitable and operates with reliability, high efficiency, and operational flexibility.

“The Tisza CCGT project marks a new era in Eastern Hungary's energy production,” said Károly Mátrai, CEO of the MVM Group. “A modern, flexible generation capacity will be established in place of a previously decommissioned traditional power plant, capable of adapting to increased consumer demand and supporting the integration of planned weather-dependent renewables into the grid. Thanks to the favorable infrastructure and geographical conditions, the investment not only strengthens grid stability but also gives new impetus to the local economy and employment.”

This contract follows Ansaldo Energia’s most recent turbine delivery in February, in which the company agreed to provide a hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO)-fueled turbine for Ireland’s 

, a 300-MW facility set to run entirely on sustainable biofuel. The AE94.3A turbine will be paired with a generator to deliver fossil-free power using HVO, a diesel alternative made from waste feedstocks.

The simple-cycle Tarbert Power Station will support and contribute to Ireland’s electricity supply, securing electrical power and providing critical electricity to the supply system during peak demand. Also, the plant will Ireland’s expanding renewable generation capacity. SSE Thermal’s project aligns with the European Union’s sustainability standards as Ireland moves toward cleaner energy solutions—HVO is lower carbon than traditional fossil fuels.

In early October 2024, Ansaldo Energia announced the commercial operation of 

, its second project within the German TSO strategic grid reserve initiative. Marbach is a 300-MW simple-cycle thermoelectric plant equipped with Ansaldo’s AE94.3A gas turbine and generator. This equipment combination can generate electricity for over 200,000 homes, boosting Germany’s energy security.

The Marbach plant can operate in gas-shortage situations by using oil and eventually green, decarbonized liquid fuels such as HVO with NOx emissions below 50 mg/Nm

. Ansaldo’s AE94.3A gas turbine delivers high flexibility for the plant, with a ramp rate of 50 MW/min and reaching full load in 26 minutes. The company’s gas turbine fleet is capable of mix-combustion with hydrogen, with the AE94.3A turbine reaching 40% mix.

The planned combined-cycle, gas turbine-equipped power plant is expected to be Hungary’s largest and most efficient upon completion, bolstering domestic energy production.

Ansaldo Energia, MVM Agree to Build Combined-Cycle Plant in Hungary

At the crossroads of decarbonization and available power lies baseload flexible generation, which many nations rely upon to sustainably balance grids with increasing renewable energy penetration.

“The strong global expansion of renewable energy sources has increased the need for flexible and reliable generation to compensate for their inherent intermittency,” said Stefano Gianatti, Executive Vice President of Thermal New Units at Ansaldo Energia.

The company recently signed a contract with MVM Tisza Erőmű to supply and maintain two gas turbines, two steam turbines, and two associated generators for a 

 at the Tiszaújváros site in eastern Hungary.

Gianatti provided additional context about the Tisza project, Hungary’s grid-balancing efforts, modular power technologies, the company’s customer-focused investments and technologies, and more. 

TURBO: What are the challenges associated with commissioning newbuild power plants and installing flexible generation? What’s the Tisza project timeline?

Commissioning newbuild power plants and installing flexible generation involve complex supply-chain management, integrating advanced technologies, and meeting stringent environmental targets. The Tisza project will feature two combined-cycle units for 1,000 MW total. The Tisza Combined-Cycle Power Plant is expected to enter operation four years from the commencement date, which is planned for autumn 2025.

TURBO: Which gas turbines will Ansaldo Energia use at the Tiszaújváros site? Is the site planning to use hydrogen blends immediately or in the near future?

At the Tiszaújváros site, Ansaldo Energia will supply two GT26 gas turbines, each operating on natural gas and already capable of using up to 30% hydrogen in the fuel mix, with the potential to accommodate higher hydrogen concentrations in the future. While the plant will initially run on natural gas, it has been configured from the outset to support the gradual integration of hydrogen. This future-proof approach aligns with Hungary’s decarbonization goals and ensures the plant’s long-term viability.

TURBO: How does the Tisza project strengthen Hungary’s baseload power supply and overall energy landscape going forward?

With the Tisza project, MVM is taking a step forward in strengthening Hungary’s energy infrastructure and energy independence with our technologies, ensuring security, flexibility, and support for grid stability. GT26 efficiency, operational flexibility, and hydrogen readiness perfectly fit these goals. This commitment fits into the country’s broader strategy to modernize its energy system with Ansaldo Energia’s hardware and solutions, and we are proud to contribute to this vision.

TURBO: How does the Tiszaújváros site’s infrastructure and geography support or enhance the combined-cycle plant operations? What does this supply agreement mean for Ansaldo Energia?

Tiszaújváros offers excellent grid connections, water access for plant cooling, and nearby gas supplies. For Ansaldo Energia, this agreement means showcasing hydrogen-ready technologies and strengthening our presence in Central Europe in a strategic and forward-looking country.

TURBO: What challenges are your customers facing amid current power demands and a shift in U.S. energy policies? How is Ansaldo responding to these challenges?

Customers face energy transition pressures, higher production flexibility to cope with renewables in the grid, and regulatory shifts. Ansaldo Energia responds with flexible, efficient, low-emissions gas turbines, H₂-ready technologies, remote diagnostics, and advanced upgrade packages.

TURBO: Is Ansaldo considering any upgrades or investments to meet customer challenges and the changing energy landscape?

Ansaldo Energia has invested heavily in enhancing both the fuel and operational flexibility of its gas turbines and developing upgrade packages and digital solutions. Operational flexibility is necessary to allow efficient and dispatchable production, supporting the integration of renewables and ensuring grid stability. One example is our GT36 gas turbine, which features a load ramp-rate of up to 100 MW per minute and a minimum environmental load of only 15%. This responsiveness enables operators to quickly adapt to fluctuating electricity demands and the variability of renewable energy sources. By minimizing start-up times and maximizing part-load efficiency, operational flexibility not only supports grid reliability but also improves the plant’s economic performance, reducing fuel consumption, optimizing maintenance intervals, and lowering overall operating costs.

Speaking of fuel flexibility, our fleet is now ready to operate with hydrogen blends from 40% -70%, depending on the equipment, with the goal of achieving 100% hydrogen capability by 2030. Ansaldo Energia is also actively working on alternative low-carbon fuels, such as methanol and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). These capabilities are being deployed in ongoing projects, such as the 

 in Ireland, which will run on 100% HVO. All our know-how applies both to new units and service activities. Our upgrade packages enhance availability, flexibility, and performance with only minimal modifications to existing plant configurations, thereby reducing upgrade costs and outage durations.

In addition, our digital services—particularly the integrated plant support platform—provide real-time monitoring, predictive diagnostics, and performance optimization, ensuring our customers have the insight and support they need to meet today's complex energy challenges.

Stefano Gianatti of Ansaldo Energia says installing baseload flexible generation is key to supporting European countries struggling with renewable energy intermittency.

Ansaldo Energia in Hungary: Generating Power for Flexible, Transition-Ready Grids

At Turbo Expo 2025, Antonio Escamilla Perejon, Client Relationship Manager at ETN Global, sat down with 

 to discuss key technological advancements that are driving global micro-gas turbine adoption, growth barriers, and primary market drivers.

to read ETN Global's Turbo Expo session on micro-gas turbines.

Antonio Perejon of ETN Global says micro gas turbines are improving.

Micro Gas Turbine Advancements and Market Dynamics

TURBO: What key technological advancements are currently driving micro-gas turbine adoption globally?

 Recent developments in heat recovery systems, fuel-flexible combustion, and digital control systems are significantly improving the performance and appeal of micro-gas turbines. Hot temperature materials and more robust coatings are reducing maintenance and increasing equipment lifetime. While more advanced control systems enable autonomous operations and easy integration, some manufacturers are choosing more complex architectures, such as two- and three-spool configurations, which enable greater operational flexibility and allow turbines to operate more efficiently across burning load conditions, which increases the part load efficiency and supports easier integration with dynamic energy systems.

With ETN Global’s Energy Integration Working Group, we are fostering continuous collaborations to support these developments, especially around decarbonized fuel compatibility and system integration. The sector is advancing, but scale remains a barrier. Adoption is still hindered by low commercial volumes and a need for a broader market pool.

TURBO: What are the primary global drivers for the micro-gas turbine market growth?

 Market trends arise from a growing demand for decentralized and resilient energy systems. Moreover, there is a need for combined heat and power, which offers continuous power, low emissions, and minimal noise, along with the potential for integration with low-carbon fuels. Unlike larger gas turbines, the micro gas turbine market remains small and faces intense competition from technologies such as fuel cells, internal combustion engines, and even solar photovoltaics. The reasons for this include the battery engine system, which typically benefits from greater visibility and funding within ET and globally. We are supporting and fostering this through our technical platforms and at the European Micro Gas Turbines Energy Forum, which we are co-sharing. This year marks the first signs, and we will host the discovery in Brussels.

 are well-suited for the energy transition to cleaner fuels. 

Antonio Perejon of ETN Global says micro-gas turbines are improving due to advances in heat recovery, fuel flexibility, and digital controls, but market adoption still faces challenges.

Conference Coverage

Micro-Gas Turbine Advancements and Market Dynamics

Tuesday afternoon at Turbo Expo 2025, Antonio Escamilla Perejon, Client Relationship Manager, and Giuseppe Tilocca, Technical Lead of ETN Global, presented 

Micro-Gas Turbines: Technological Advancements and Market Research

Perejon kicked off the session by introducing the audience to the micro-gas turbine community, how to join, and highlighted two ongoing projects: Next Entity and Fit for Micro.

Before diving into micro-gas turbines, he introduced thermodynamic cycles. “Maximizing thermal efficiency" is key, he said.

The simple Brayton cycle involves compressing air, combusting fuel, and expanding the heated fluid in a turbine to produce electricity.

The regenerative Brayton cycle includes a regenerative heat exchanger. The fluid exiting the turbine is used to heat the fluid coming from the compressor. The thermal efficiency of the regenerative cycle is now dependent on both pressure ratio and temperature ratio. Regenerative cycles are more effective than the Brayton cycle at lower pressure ratios.

Complex cycles with two-stage compression and expansion are beneficial to small gas turbines based on the fundamental thermodynamic cycles driving these innovations and the broader landscape of energy innovation. Pressure ratios, meticulous temperature management, and ongoing technological improvements are necessary when creating efficient, compact energy solutions for decentralized power generation.

Perejon said during a recent community meeting, there was inherent complexity and a striking lack of standardized criteria across the industry in terms of micro gas turbine definitions. A key takeaway was the undeniable importance of recuperators in significantly improving electrical efficiency, though limitations often associated with single-stage compressors were also acknowledged.

With micro-gas turbines, there are intricate trade-offs among system size, performance, and cost, and they must be considered when designing and implementing them across diverse power output ranges.

Several advancements have been made through various micro-gas turbine research projects that are pushing the boundaries of sustainable energy technologies, including:

Innovative applications like using micro-gas turbines as fuel cell replacements for aircraft auxiliary power units

Harmonizing micro gas turbines with water treatment plants

Exploring sophisticated hybrid systems with fuel cells

Rigorously investigating sustainable biofuel applications

Looking ahead, the development drivers are focused on increasing turbine temperature, leveraging advanced materials, achieving significant cost reductions, and exploring novel external fire and hybrid configurations to continuously improve efficiency and performance.

 Key considerations include optimizing thermal efficiency, managing pressure ratios and temperatures, and overcoming limitations like those of single-stage compressors. The role of recuperators in boosting efficiency and the trade-offs between size, performance, and cost were also central.

Diverse Applications, Lacking Standardization:

 Despite a lack of standardized definitions for micro gas turbines, the presentations showcased their wide-ranging applications. These include integration with solar power systems and water treatment plants, serving as fuel cell replacements for aircraft, and utilizing sustainable biofuels, underscoring their versatility in decentralized power generation.

Future advancements hinge on increasing turbine operating temperatures, adopting advanced materials, and cost reduction. The exploration of external fire and hybrid configurations (e.g., with fuel cells) is also crucial for enhancing both efficiency and sustainability in micro gas turbine technology.

 to watch Antonio Escamilla Perejon discuss key technological advancements that are driving global micro-gas turbine adoption, growth barriers, and primary market drivers at Turbo Expo 2025!

A History of the Micro-Gas Turbine Market

Tilocca offered attendees a comprehensive overview of the micro-gas turbine market. Micro-gas turbines became commercially viable in 1998, with companies like Capstone leading early development. The market size is estimated at around 100 million units, although Tilocca said that precise numbers are less important than understanding the market dynamics: "We're wasting time debating exact figures.”

The development of micro-gas turbines is divided into two phases:

First Wave (early 2000s): Focused on increasing power output and efficiency

Second Wave (2010s): Attempting to reduce costs and improve commercial viability

The market has faced significant obstacles, with multiple companies experiencing bankruptcy due to several key challenges:

Microgas turbines are mainly used in primary generation and co-generation in niche markets—such as oil and gas, decentralized power, biogas and sewage gas applications, and cogeneration—due to cost and performance.

 When compared to reciprocating engines, micro-gas turbines struggle with performance. Tilocca explained: “Micro-gas turbines have no edge on the heat-to-power ratio. You cannot compete in the cogeneration applications with a high heat-to-power ratio, and the cost needs to be lower; otherwise, you won't sell any products because you're directly competing with reciprocating energy. The cost of a gas turbine versus the cost of a reciprocating engine is very expensive.”

Micro-gas turbine technology suffers from competition from internal combustion engines, advancing fuel cell technologies, and growing electrification trends.

But, despite challenges, micro-gas turbines offer some unique benefits:

Single exhaust stream that’s ideal for hybrid heat applications

Excellent performance with renewable and difficult fuels

"Micro-gas turbines are a niche product. If you try to market them as a mass product, you will not succeed,” Tilocca said.

Looking forward, considerations such as equipment cost reductions, improved overall efficiency, scaled-up production, and targeted niche applications are critical. When exploring hydrogen applications, it’s important to balance efficiency and cost. He said that equipment costs become increasingly critical as hydrogen fuel prices decrease.

“Micro-gas turbines have low market assessment," Tilocca said, with promising opportunities in renewable fuel and biogas and decentralized power applications.

The development of micro-gas turbines has occurred in two distinct phases: the first focused on increasing power output, while the second concentrated on improving efficiency and reducing costs. However, most commercially available products were developed over 20 years ago, with minimal technological advancement.

Micro-gas turbines remain a niche market with limited growth, characterized by high costs, low efficiency, and challenges in scaling production. Despite potential applications in specific sectors like oil and gas and renewable fuels, the technology struggles to compete with reciprocating engines and other power generation technologies.

The economic viability of micro-gas turbines heavily depends on fuel costs, operational hours, and specific application requirements. They show promise in scenarios with high heat-to-power ratio needs, remote locations, or when working with challenging fuels like biogas, but face significant challenges in becoming a mainstream power generation technology.

At Turbo Expo 2025, ETN Global says micro-gas turbines must focus on specialized markets, cost reduction, and continued technological refinement to remain competitive.

Micro-Gas Turbines: A Challenging Market Yet Promising Technology 

On Wednesday at Turbo Expo 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee, the technical session, 

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Gas Turbine Combustor Design

, moderated by Joseph Meadows, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech, brought together experts from academia and industry to discuss integrating computational fluid dynamics, machine learning-assisted reduced-order modeling, automated design optimization, and data-driven diagnostics with gas turbine combustor design.

The pursuit of more efficient, cleaner, and adaptable gas turbine combustors has created complexity in their design. This intricate challenge has highlighted the critical need for advanced computational tools to bolster existing design approaches. Enter AI, a game-changing technology that is rapidly transforming this landscape. AI promises to dramatically speed up design processes, optimize performance, and even assist in uncovering entirely new combustor configurations.

Werner Krebs, Ph.D., Lead Technology Expert for Combustion at Siemens Energy, Robert Zacharias, Ph.D., of GE Aerospace Research, as well as Panelists Pinaki Pal, Ph.D., of Argonne National Laboratory, Jay Gore, Ph.D., of Purdue University, dove into the opportunities and challenges of using AI for design, including:

Model interpretability and ensuring physical consistency.

Balancing physics-based and data-driven modeling approaches.

The future direction of AI in combustor development.

Krebs from Siemens Energy presented on generative AI in combustion design. He focused on how AI can address complex engineering challenges. The core problem involves translating product requirements into design parameters, where "10 requirements" must navigate a design space of "more than 100 parameters, maybe 1000 parameters."

Krebs outlined a systematic approach to generative design: parameterizing the design space, identifying critical labels like pressure drop, performing design calculations, and generating design proposals. He emphasized the critical need for high-quality computational tools: "If the tools provide garbage, then the whole thing is garbage,” he said.

The research compared multiple generative AI methods, with flow matching showing the most promising results across parameters like pressure drop and NOx emissions. His team at Siemens Energy developed an AI platform called Horizon, which provides "no-code code environments" to help engineers focus on physics rather than programming.

Looking forward, Rex said the ultimate goal is a "self-learning system where we start with a hypothesis or with a small design space and then let it continuously generate designs even in more detail." AI should support engineers’ innovative efforts.

Generative AI's Potential in Complex Design:

 AI can navigate massive design spaces with hundreds of parameters, generating design proposals that meet specific engineering requirements like NOx emissions, pressure drop, and thermostatic stability. The approach allows for rapid exploration of design possibilities beyond traditional engineering methods.

Critical Importance of High-Quality Data and Computational Power

: The success of generative AI depends entirely on the quality of underlying computational tools and data. The research requires sophisticated GPU clusters and a deep understanding of physical principles to generate meaningful design proposals.

AI as an Engineering Collaborator, Not a Replacement:

 Despite the advanced technological capabilities, AI is a tool to augment, not replace, human engineering expertise. His vision is to create platforms like Horizon that allow engineers to focus on physics and engineering principles while AI handles complex computational tasks.

Zacharias said that in aerospace engineering, safety and innovative design optimization take center stage. Human intelligence plays a critical role: “Nobody wants to get on an airplane with an engine that was designed by AI,” he said.

Zacharias shared a real-life combustion dynamics example, where one of the team’s combustors had a debilitating combustion dynamic, and “we had to figure out how to kill this dynamic so that we had a safe and stable combustion system,” he said. “Generally, there's a source of unsteadiness somewhere in the combustor that triggers the resonance somewhere, and it just accelerates. In this example, we had a 500 Hz combustion dynamics problem that we believe was caused by unsteadiness in the swirler upstream of the vortex breakdown bubble.”

The approach to this complex combustion problem? To combine engineering intuition with advanced computational techniques. By parameterizing the swirler design with "eight or 10 independent variables," they developed a sophisticated optimization strategy. Their methodology involved creating a surrogate model through a comprehensive design exploration. “We carpet bomb[ed] the design space [by running] hundreds of thousands of combinations" using a neural network model that could process calculations in "three thousandths of a second,” he said.

The ultimate goal is to advance design optimization, with the potential of "inverse neural nets" that can fundamentally transform the design process. "We want to flip the problem over," he noted, "give it the Ys, the outputs that we want, and have it spit out the Xs."

This approach represents a significant leap in engineering design, balancing computational power with human expertise and safety considerations.

Safety is Paramount in Aerospace Engineering:

 Human intelligence and safety are critical, particularly in aerospace. "At GE Aerospace, safety is job number one; safety, above all else."

Advanced Design Optimization Through AI and Computational Modeling:

 Zacharias showcased a sophisticated approach to solving complex engineering challenges using AI and computational techniques. By creating a surrogate model, the team could explore hundreds of thousands of design combinations quickly, reducing computational time from days to milliseconds.

Future of Design: Inverse Neural Networks:

 The next frontier of design optimization is inverse neural networks. Instead of traditional methods of exploring design spaces, the goal is to "flip the problem over", allowing engineers to input desired outputs and have the system generate potential design solutions, fundamentally transforming the design process.

Turbo Expo panelists from Siemens Energy and GE Aerospace highlight the intersection of human expertise, computational power, and innovative AI techniques in advanced engineering design.

Jose Pinela

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