Customers can choose to run the GT13E2 gas turbine at performance-optimized or at a maintenance cost-optimized operation mode. At times of high demand for electricity, the performance-optimized operation mode allows for a quick ramp-up of the turbine's power gen-eration capacity. "We can run the turbine with lower or higher load, adapting to the customer's requirements for higher flexibility," Ladwig said.
"The operator can basically switch 'on the fly' between the two modes at any point in time. Our experience is that most operators tend to run the turbine at a performance-optimized mode as it reduces operational costs", he added.
The GT13E2 gas turbine is one of Alstom's offerings in the E-class gas turbine market and was originally launched in 1993. Alstom said it registered a strong order intake for the GT13E2 gas turbines in 2011, when one of the highest engine sales in a single year was recorded.
Alstom dominates Russia's mid-sized gas turbine market
In 2011, Alstom managed to secure more than 50% of the Russian mid-sized gas turbine market. An additional six gas turbines were ordered for projects in Bangladesh, Nigeria and Iraq, the company said.
Alstom aims to increase power generation efficiency in Russia and the CIS countries through further development of its GT13E2 gas turbine technology. Bernard Tripod, Klaus Doebbeling, Christof Pfeiffer and Rudolf Heimerl [all Alstom Energy representatives] presented a Paper on the topic at the "Russia Power" conference in Moscow in early March this year. To read the full paper, please click here.