GE LM6000, development of the first 40% thermal efficiency gas turbine

General Electric has launched development of a new generation aeroderivative gas turbine, the LM6000. This 40MW-class machine, targeted for 1992 field service introduction, combines GE Aircraft Engines; latest engine technology together with a new method of aeroderivative load coupling to achieve two gas turbine firsts: The first simple cycle industrial gas turbine to achieve an iso base-rated thermal efficiency in excess of 40% (LHV). The first simple cycle, aeroderivative gas turbine to be competitive on a first cost basis with all other gas turbines in its size class. This paper describes the LM6000 concept, basic engine, expected performance and development program for this revolutionary gas turbine.