Session: 17-03 Gas Turbine and Compressor Technologies

Submission Number: 177962

From Design to Operational Flexibility and Performance: Field Validation of the GT36 Gas Turbine for Lifecycle Optimization 

The GT36 Gas Turbine is at the core of Ansaldo’s H class platform. It has undergone extensive validation, beginning at the Birr Test Powerplant in Switzerland from 2016 to 2020 and culminating in the field validation across two commercial units equipped with circa 900 extended measurement points of advanced instrumentation. These units were operated in distinct configurations—indoor and outdoor—to rigorously assess operational flexibility, component durability and system integration under real-world conditions. Key validation objectives included GT performance, start up times, confirmation of superfast loading and deloading  gradients, turn down ratio, compressor surge margin and confirmation of the  maintainability features to enable inspection and monitoring. Advanced measurement systems were deployed to measure blade clearances and vibration characteristics, enabling high-resolution insight into dynamic behavior. The validation campaign also evaluated the GT performance at minimum environmental loads, frequency response capabilities, and power augmentation. Results confirm that the GT36 meets its performance targets across a wide range of ambient conditions, with identified risks effectively mitigated through targeted inspections. The demonstrated operational flexibility lays the foundation for future performance enhancements and lifecycle optimization. These findings support the GT36’s broader commercial deployment and provide a robust framework for continuous improvement in efficiency, reliability, and operational flexibility.

Presenting Author: Jose Ma Anguisola Mcfeat Ansaldo Energia

Presenting Author Biography: With over 20 years of experience in gas turbine design, Jose McFeat serves as Chief Designer for the H Class line of Gas Turbines in Ansaldo Energia portfolio, specializing in the integration of complex components across advanced turbine systems. His career has been defined by a commitment to functional safety, balancing risk with innovation to deliver world-class performance. He has led multidisciplinary teams through the full lifecycle of turbine development, from concept to validation, with a focus on reliability, maintainability, and operational excellence. His work continues to shape the future of high-efficiency, high flexibility and low-emission gas turbines.

Authors:

Jose Ma Anguisola Mcfeat Ansaldo Energia
Juergen Pacholleck Ansaldo Switzerland
Gerard Dusomos Ansaldo Switzerland
Tobias Huber Ansaldo Energia
Savino Depalo Ansaldo Switzerland
Andrea Silingardi Ansaldo Energia