Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is also well on its way to exceeding 60% combined cycle efficiency. The company reports that it has achieved what it describes as “the world’s highest turbine inlet temperature”, 1600 °C, with its J-Series gas turbine, currently undergoing verification trials at MHI’s Takasago combined cycle test facility (T-Point). This is 100 degrees higher than the company’s G-Series (“1500°C-class” gas turbines).
The J employs steam cooling of stationary parts, namely combustor transition pieces and blade rings.
The unit currently under test is the 60 Hz version, the M501J, which will be commercially available in 2013. Six machines have already been slated for delivery to Kansai Electric’s Himeji 2 power plant.
The 50 Hz version, the M701J, is also available, with first shipments targeted for 2014.
