GE’s J920 Large Gas Engine Incorporates Latest Technologies to Cross 50% Electrical Efficiency together with Advanced Digital Monitoring

Authors

Dr. A. Lippert, Dr. C. Trapp, J. Laubach, C. Nelson, Dr. F. Nota PhD, A. Avagliano, N. Prendiville, GE Distributed Power, Jenbach

Year

2017

Print Info

Fortschritt-Berichte VDI, Series 12, No 802

Summary

Extending the performance boundaries of large engine technology for enhanced customer value continues to drive internal combustion engine development at GE. Reciprocating engines have become an increasingly larger portion of global power generation to address the growing need for power in developing countries, and the transformation of power generation in developed countries. As demand for distributed, flexible power grows, this drives the development of reciprocating engine technologies further in power density and efficiency, but also into fast ramp-up and load shedding for grid stabilization, to provide exceptional customer value. In 2013 GE launched the Jenbacher J920 FleXtra, a new clean-sheet 20-cylinder 4-stroke gas engine in the 10 MW class. Built on the successful two-staged turbocharging technology of the Jenbacher J624 gas engine, it set a new milestone for a 10 MW engine with an engine speed of 1000 rpm for 50 Hz applications. The architecture provides high power density, a small footprint and high electrical & total combined heat and power (CHP) efficiency, as well as application flexibility. This paper presents the significant steps forward in the performance, efficiency and flexibility of the Jenbacher J920 FleXtra gas engine, including a 10% increase in full-load power, an increased electrical efficiency of 50.1 percent demonstrated in a test environment, and greater flexibility. GE has invested significantly in its digital capabilities to provide new levels of advanced monitoring and big data analytics, and this is transforming the operation of industrial assets including the Jenbacher J920 FleXtra gas engine with predictive maintenance, and optimization of assets and fleets.