ULN System for the New SGT5-8000H Gas Turbine: Design and High Pressure Rig Test Results

The lean premixed combustion system was scaled from Siemens 60Hz engine application and optimized for implementation in the new SGT5-8000H 50Hz engine. The Siemens H-class engine is air cooled, uses a pressure ratio of 19:1 and is designed to achieve an efficiency of >60% efficiency in combined cycle operation. This improved dry low NOx system is of can annular type and consists of 16 cans in the SGT5-8000H. It was developed and tested in a full scale, high pressure rig test program. The single can high pressure rig simulates closely the flow conditions upstream of the combustor in the SGT5-8000H midframe and downstream of the combustor at the turbine inlet. The combustion system uses 5 fuel stages which allow flexible tuning over the whole range of engine operation conditions (ignition, idling, part- and base load). The system is designed to operate over a wide range of fuel quality and preheat temperatures. The test program is carried out over multiple years and encompasses rig / engine tests. This paper describes the combustion system in more details and the testing methodology. The test rig results showed that the performance targets are fully achieved in terms of emissions and operational requirements. Furthermore, the development / validation program will continue to reduce emissions through extended programs for future engines.