What is a gas turbine and how does it work?

A gas turbine is an internal combustion engine that converts fuels like natural gas or hydrogen into mechanical energy. It compresses air, mixes it with fuel, and ignites the mixture in a continuous process. The resulting high-pressure gases spin turbine blades to generate power, used in power plants, industry, aircraft, and ships.

What are gas turbines used for?

Gas turbines are used in various applications, including: • Power generation: Producing electricity in power plants • Industrial use (e.g., oil and gas): Driving compressors, pumps, and generators • Aviation: Powering jet engines in aircraft • Marine propulsion: Driving ships and submarines

Who makes gas turbines?

• Siemens Energy • GE Vernova • Mitsubishi Power • Rolls-Royce • Ansaldo Energia • Solar Turbines (a Caterpillar company) • Kawasaki Heavy Industries • Capstone Green Energy • MAN Energy Solutions • OPRA Turbines These companies are leaders in the industry, providing advanced and efficient gas turbines for various applications.

Where are gas turbines most commonly used in the process industries?

Gas turbines are widely used in process industries for: • Driving compressors: Essential for various industrial processes • Power generation: Providing electricity for on-site needs • Pump drives: Common in the oil and gas industry These applications enhance operational efficiency, reliability, and energy performance in industrial operations.

What are aeroderivative gas turbines?

Aeroderivative gas turbines are lighter, more flexible versions of gas turbines originally designed for aircraft engines. They are adapted for use in power generation and industrial applications.

How do Siemens Energy's gas turbines compare to those of other gas turbines manufacturers?

Siemens Energy’s gas turbines are known for their high efficiency, reliability, and fuel flexibility, including hydrogen readiness. Their broad portfolio supports diverse applications, from power generation to industrial use. Siemens stands out for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, making it a key player in the global energy transition.

What maintenance and support services does Siemens Energy offer for gas turbines?

Siemens Energy offers comprehensive maintenance and support services for gas turbines, including: • Repair and Overhaul • Modernizations and Upgrades • Remote Monitoring • Lifetime Extensions • Digital Services These services ensure efficient and reliable turbine operation.

Aeroderivative, Industrial and Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines

Gas turbines play a pivotal role in global energy production thanks to their combination of high efficiency, reliability and quick start-up capabilities. As a leading manufacturer and supplier of gas turbine technology, Siemens Energy provides a comprehensive range of equipment options and models, alongside maintenance and repair services, to address your most demanding energy needs worldwide.

Heavy-duty gas turbines combine high power output, operational flexibility, environmental performance, and low maintenance costs, making them key components for modern power plants worldwide.

Main features:

Robust and versatile engines specifically designed for large power plants
Suitable for peak, intermediate, or base load duty, and cogeneration applications
Extensive validation and testing for reliability and performance
Engines have a proven track record in commercial operation with exceptional efficiency

(Power generation in MW(e))

Industrial gas turbines ranging from small to very large power outputs, is designed for power generation, mechanical drives, and various industrial applications.

Main features:

Robust and compact design for industrial power generation and mechanical drive applications
High steam-raising capabilities with over 80% plant efficiency
Proven with 2,250+ units sold
Ideal for small utilities, independent power producers, and the oil and gas industry

(Power generation in MW(e) / mechanical drive in MW)

Aeroderivative gas turbines are compact, lightweight, and flexible, making them ideal for decentralized power generation due to their high efficiency and quick start-up.

Main features:

Originally developed for aviation, our aeroderivative gas turbines offer flexible, compact, and lightweight designs
Ideal for power generation and mechanical drives in the oil and gas industry
High efficiency and fast start capabilities make them suitable for decentralized power generation
Proven reliability with a fleet of 2,500 installed units and millions of operation hours in various environments

(Power generation in MW(e) / mechanical drive in MW)

As oil and gas continue to be crucial components of the global energy supply, the importance of natural gas is expected to increase over the next few decades.

Siemens Eneryg has expertise and experience in oil and gas applications:

The gas turbines are trusted and proven for power generation in upstream, midstream, and downstream applications
They are also reliable for mechanical drives in compressors and pumps
With a long-standing track record, these gas turbines ensure exceptional reliability in oil and gas production, processing, pipeline, Liquide natural gas (LNG), and refinery applications

Leverage the industrial power generation expertise and experience with Siemens Energy's versatile gas turbines. They are ideal for power generation and combined heat and power (CHP) across various industries, including data center and fiber, cement, metals and mining, and other manufacturing sectors.

Uninterrupted power and heat supply
High energy efficiency and low energy costs
High return on investment

Sustainable fuels are alternatives to traditional fossil fuels that can significantly reduce carbon emissions. These fuels can be derived from various sources, including renewable energy, biogenic materials, and processes that capture and utilize carbon dioxide.

Sustainable primary fuels, including hydrogen, biofuels and hydrogen derivatives such as ammonia and methanol, provide a diverse portfolio of options for decarbonizing gas turbines and supporting the transition to a more sustainable energy future.

Decarbonization pathways for gas turbines

Did you know that gas turbines will play a major role in ensuring a secure power supply in the age of decarbonization? Find out more in our white paper! Read more

Overview of hydrogen capabilities in gas turbines

Service and Maintenance work for turbine modernization

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Gas turbines are highly efficient, achieving thermal efficiencies of 30–40% in simple-cycle configurations. In combined-cycle systems, where waste heat is reused, efficiency can exceed 60%. Performance depends on design, size, and operating conditions. Due to their high efficiency, flexibility, and low maintenance requirements, gas turbines are a reliable choice for power generation and industrial applications.

Gas turbines face several challenges. High temperatures can cause thermal stress, material fatigue, and failure. Vibrations can damage rotors and bearings. Fouling – the buildup of dirt and particles – reduces efficiency. Poor lubrication can lead to wear and overheating.To ensure safe, efficient operation, these issues require high-quality materials, regular maintenance, and monitoring.

Siemens Energy's gas turbines are used in various applications, including:

• Power generation: For utilities, independent power producers, and industrial users

• Oil and gas industry: Powering upstream, midstream, and downstream operations

• Mechanical drive applications: Driving compressors and pumps in industrial processes

These applications demonstrate the versatility and reliability of Siemens Energy's gas turbines.

Reliable gas turbines

Heavy-duty gas turbines

Industrial gas turbines

Aeroderivative gas turbine

Gas turbines tailored to market needs

Sustainable gas turbine fuels

Decarbonization pathways for gas turbines

Siemens Energy gas turbine portfolio overview

Siemens Energy hydrogen co-firing capability

From gas turbine package to complete turnkey power plant

Gas turbine power plants for demanding markets

Peaker power plants

Combined heat and power plants

Combined cycle power plants

Gas turbine service and maintenance

Gas turbine service solutions

Gas turbine modernization and upgrades

Gas turbine testing facilities

Gas turbine references

Morrow Repower project, USA (2023)

Beni Suef / New Capital / Burullus, Egypt (2018)

Azura-Edo, Nigeria (2018)

BASF Schwartzheide, Germany

Get in touch with us

Get answers: FAQs on gas turbines

Reliable gas turbines

Heavy-duty gas turbines

Industrial gas turbines

Aeroderivative gas turbine

Gas turbines tailored to market needs

Sustainable gas turbine fuels

Decarbonization pathways for gas turbines

Siemens Energy gas turbine portfolio overview

Siemens Energy hydrogen co-firing capability

From gas turbine package to complete turnkey power plant

Gas turbine power plants for demanding markets

Gas turbine service and maintenance

Gas turbine references

Morrow Repower project, USA (2023)

Beni Suef / New Capital / Burullus, Egypt (2018)

Azura-Edo, Nigeria (2018)

Get in touch with us

What is a gas turbine and how does it work?

What are gas turbines used for?

Who makes gas turbines?

How efficient are gas turbines?

Where are gas turbines most commonly used in the process industries?

What are the biggest problems with gas turbines?

What are aeroderivative gas turbines?

What are the main applications of Siemens Energy's gas turbines?

How do Siemens Energy's gas turbines compare to those of other gas turbines manufacturers?

What maintenance and support services does Siemens Energy offer for gas turbines?

References

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