PROENERGY, a global provider of peaking power solutions based in Sedalia, Missouri, has launched a new 48 MW aeroderivative gas turbine designed to respond quickly to gaps between electricity supply and demand. The unveiling of the PE6000 was the finale of the annual PROENERGY user conference held in Houston, Texas earlier this month. The company explained that each PE6000 is based on a refurbished CF6-80C2 engine core, which is commonly used in Boeing 747s and several other aircraft.

“The concept of combining a flight engine core with aircraft parts was born and realised through a collaboration between a major European company and PROENERGY,” it said. “Our in-house engine and overhaul expertise was a critical factor in bringing the PE6000 programme to fruition,” said Rob Andrews, PROENERGY’s senior vice president of manufacturing. “We developed other key areas of expertise in systems and component design, materials science and manufacturing prowess to advance our R&D programme both internally and in collaboration with key partners and suppliers.

The result is a product where every new part is proudly made to PROENERGY’s design and specification.” Aeroderivative gas turbines are often used for peak power applications due to their ability to start up quickly and reach full power in a short time. Other options for peaking power include reciprocating internal combustion engines, pumped storage hydroelectric power plants, battery energy storage systems, demand response schemes, etc.

In addition to fast response times, aeroderivators offer advantages such as high reliability and availability, and relatively clean, cheap and high quality power with a small footprint. Aeroderivators are very well suited to complement intermittent renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.

PROENERGY has invested seven years and $115 million in R&D, manufacturing and infrastructure for its PE6000 programme. To date, the company has manufactured two PE6000 turbines (Figure 1). One is installed at the WattBridge generating facility in Houston and has more than 100 starts and 750 operating hours. According to the company, the second unit is now ready for testing. Six more turbines are planned to be tested at WattBridge facilities in the future.