Power augmentation of 7EA gas turbines

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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).

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.

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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.