GE

GE’s HArriet – one of the most efficient gas turbines in the world – is being sent to University! During these eight weeks, we will share with you her validation test plan, why we’re assessing her and how she performs.

HArriet will be tested on subjects from aero-mechanics and combustion mapping to grid compliance. Over the course of her testing, HArriet will be pushed to perform at all levels, as we prepare to send her off into the real world ready for the challenges she may face.


For further updates on HArriet’s progress at University, please register here to access our secure portal.

Test Week 3: First Fire

Hooray! Ozzie passed his tests with flying colors and is now ready to support HArriet in her testing. After coupling Ozzie and HArriet, we tested HArriet's compressor and took her through the same aeromechanics checks that we performed on Ozzie.

Following those checks, HArriet underwent her first big test: first fire. We lit her combustor and brought her all the way to full load.

See footage from HArriet's first fire, and hear Guy Deleonardo walk you through the elements, and results, of this test.

Test Week 2: Ozzie Passes High Speed Aeromechanics

We have one final round of tests for Ozzie, HArriet's compressor validation rig, to ensure he is prepared to coach and challenge HArriet during her testing: high speed aeromechanics! Last week, we ran Ozzie's low-speed aeromechanics tests. This week, we challenged Ozzie with similar tests - aeromechanics, rotating stall and full speed no load- at higher speeds.

Every compressor, like Ozzie, is engineered to continuously pressurize the air with low vibration of the airfoils. As a compressor starts up, it is normal that the ramp up vibrates the compressor's airfoils. In technical terms this is called aeromechanics..."aero" is how the air moves and "mechanics" is the vibration of the airfoils. We tested Ozzie to ensure that the vibration of the airfoils on the way to full speed are low, and what we expected.

Watch Guy Deleonardo share more about the importance of testing Ozzie at high speeds, as well as his results, and learn what's next for HArriet!

Test Week 1: Ozzie Undergoes Turbine Rotation

To simulate being run in the field, GE’s validation test stand is a customized configuration. HArriet's compressor is in a specially configured validation rig to absorb her power. This compressor validation rig, named Ozzie, creates hot compressed air instead of generating electricity with a generator. Unlike a generator, Ozzie works at all frequencies.

Validation Test Configuration

In order to fully test HArriet, we first need to test Ozzie, and his associated torque converter, gearbox and motors. Ozzie will be HArriet's tutor and coach throughout her university experience--- working to guide and challenge her in the right environments throughout her university experience. Ozzie must be working at his most optimal possible levels in order to test HArriet at the appropriate levels.

Watch Guy Deleonardo discuss how we test Ozzie and his system, to ensure the validation test stand is ready to challenge HArriet.

Orientation: GE’s Validation Test Stand

GE’s test stand in Greenville, South Carolina, USA is one of a kind. Only here, can a gas turbine, like HArriet, be exposed to such a variety of environments and challenges, testing her for variables and conditions she may experience in her lifetime.

Join Brad Carey, GE’s HA Engineering Leader, as he takes you through the validation test stand and shares how the testing process works.

Check your email each week to follow along for updates of HArriet’s progress during her university experience!