Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd. (MHPS) announced Monday that its T-Point 2 combined cycle power plant validation facility entered full commercial operation with an enhanced JAC gas turbine that sets the record for output and efficiency. The T-Point 2 plant was commissioned in March at Takasago Works in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, to replace MHPS' original T-Point plant and to continue MHPS' approach — which is unlike any other manufacturer's — to advance the limits of technology while minimizing 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 8,000 operating hours, which is equivalent to nearly one year of normal operation and is a key insurance industry criterion for fleet reliability. MHPS' most advanced JAC gas turbine, designed for maximum efficiency and lower emissions, is now integrated with MHPS-TOMONI digital solutions for verification and validation at T-Point 2. The gas turbine is entering commercial operation at record-setting combined cycle efficiency greater than 64% and a world's first turbine inlet temperature of 1650°C. This gas turbine reduces carbon emissions by 65% versus coal-fired plants. In addition, it has the capability for conversion from natural gas to a blend of natural gas with 30% renewable hydrogen to reduce emissions further. Eventually it will be capable of running on 100% renewable hydrogen to completely eliminate carbon emissions. The digital building blocks of the autonomous power plant being validated at T-Point 2 include an advanced Automatic Plant Startup package that is closely linked to the advanced analytics and diagnostics that continuously monitor the total plant. To validate complete remote operation, operations will be transferred from the local control room to the Takasago Remote Monitoring Center. Operations and maintenance building blocks 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. Netmation 4S adds additional reliability, redundancy, and enhanced operator experience to the well-proven Netmation family of control systems. "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. "I congratulate our dedicated team of engineers, procurement, and construction personnel for achieving commercial operation on schedule, on budget, and exceeding output and efficiency expectations. This project positions us years ahead of any manufacturer in putting the latest generation of 1650°C gas turbine technology into commercial operation. We are leading a Change in Power." — SG
