GE Power & Water’s Distributed Power business recently achieved 50.1 per cent electrical efficiency on its 10-megawatt (MW) gas engine platform in a test environment in Austria.

“As a technology leader in the distributed power space, GE continues to invest heavily in technology and companies that provide excellent performance, output and efficiency advancements in the reciprocating engines space,” said Karl Wetzlmayer, general manager—reciprocating engines for GE Power & Water’s Distributed Power business.

“50.1 per cent electrical efficiency is another technology breakthrough in the reciprocating engines innovation,” he added.

GE’s 10-MW Jenbacher J920 FleXtra gas engine is designed to achieve the highest electrical efficiency level in its class, a statement said.

Its unique design enables high-power density for a lower investment cost. Two-stage turbocharging technology allows stable power output and efficiency at high ambient conditions. Additionally, the innovative modular design allows fast and seamless installation with easier maintainability in both industrialized zones and remote areas. Featuring a five-minute start-up time, the J920 FleXtra is scalable for any plant size.

Distributed power is becoming increasingly popular in countries seeking more reliable, efficient energy options near the point of use. It is projected to grow 40 percent faster than global electricity demand between 2014 and 2020.

GE’s Distributed Power business is comprised of several reciprocating engine and aeroderivative gas turbine product lines, including its multi-fuel gas engine technologies and a growing suite of diesel engine-generators for stationary power generation.

Since acquiring its Jenbacher gas engine product line in 2003 as well as its Waukesha gas engine line and Heat Recovery Solutions in 2010 to address the growing demands for distributed power solutions, GE has focused on innovation as well as strategic acquisitions in the reciprocating engines space, according to the statement. – TradeArabia News Service