First US-made J series gas turbine shipped

Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Americas, Inc. shipped the first U.S. manufactured M501J gas turbine from its Savanah Machinery Works (SMW) facility.  The M501J is now on its way to Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) in Oklahoma.

“What makes the J-series gas turbine so unique is that it is the first and only turbine in commercial operation today  capable of achieving 1,600°C (2,912°F) turbine inlet temperatures while delivering efficiencies approaching 62% in combined cycle mode” said David Brozek, Senior Vice President at MHPSA.  “In addition, the 17 operating J-Series turbines have collectively exceeded 185,000 operating hours, and more importantly, they have already achieved a reliability record matching MHPS’s M501G fleet of over 99%,” said Brozek.

The first U.S. manufactured J-Series turbine is slated for installation at GRDA’s Grand River Energy Center in Oklahoma replacing an old coal-fired unit. Weighing in at 300 tons, the turbine, when installed in combined cycle configuration will generate 495 megawatts of electricity, supplying power to GRDA customers in 75 of 77 Oklahoma counties.

The Savannah Machinery Works opened in 2011. Scheduled for early 2017 operation, GRDA's turbine will be the 28th J-Series turbine to go into commercial operation worldwide. In addition to the GRDA Unit, SMW has a backlog of advanced technology J-Series turbines which will be shipping over the coming months and years.