T-Point 2 goes commercial

Above: T-Point 2

T-Point 2, at Mitsubishi Takasago Works, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, replaces the original  T-Point plant and represents continuity of the MHPS approach to gas turbine validation, which is “unlike any other manufacturer’s”, claims the company, with the aim of advancing “the limits of technology while minimising risk to its customers.” To do this, “MHPS validates its new gas turbine technologies and digital solutions under long-term grid-connected operation for a minimum of 8000 operating hours, which is equivalent to nearly one year of normal operation and is a key insurance industry criterion for fleet reliability.”

The gas turbine at T-Point 2 “is entering commercial operation at a record-setting combined cycle efficiency greater than 64% and a world first turbine inlet temperature of 1650°C”, says MHPS. “In addition, it has the capability for conversion from natural gas to a blend of natural gas with 30% renewable hydrogen” and eventually it will be capable of running on 100% hydrogen.

Above: JAC turbine installation underway

To validate the concept of fully remote operation, control of T-Point 2 will be transferred from the local power plant control room to the Takasago remote monitoring centre. O&M tools under evaluation include an advanced array of acoustic, video, and thermographic data acquisition sensors monitored by advanced analytics that are being trained to identify pattern changes. T-Point 2 is also evaluating the first ever Netmation 4S digital control system to be used on an advanced class gas turbine combined cycle plant.

“Unlike other manufacturers, MHPS demonstrates new gas turbine capabilities at our own combined cycle power plant before shipping to our customers. This enables us to provide unmatched performance, such as the 99.5% reliability of our J-Series gas turbines”, said Paul Browning, president and CEO of MHPS Americas and chief regional officer for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas. “This project positions us years ahead of any manufacturer in putting the latest generation of 1650°C gas turbine technology into commercial operation.”