Aeroderivative gas turbine looks for marine applications
The GE38 on the test bed
GE Aviation of the USA hopes that the modern technology and proven performance of its GE38 gas turbine will make it an attractive option for marine applications.
The GE38 is claimed to be the most technologically advanced turboshaft engine in its class, and it has been selected to power the Sikorsky CH-53K helicopter in development for the US Marine Corps. Compared to its T64 turboshaft engine predecessor, the GE38 is said to provide 57% more power within the same envelope, 18% better fuel consumption, and has 63% fewer parts.
The marine version of the GE38 will be identical to its aircraft engine cousin with the exception of some control schedules in the FADEC (full authority digital engine controls) software. GE says it is looking to leverage this existing technology to offer the US Navy maintenance commonality, smaller logistics footprint, as well as lower operating and support costs. GE Aviation believes the low-risk GE38 has suitablel performance specifications for the US Navy’s Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC) program and electric power generation for DDG-51-class destroyers.
GE38 development testing is well underway at its Lynn, Massachusetts, facility. The engine is claimed to have established a facility turboshaft horsepower record, eclipsing 7,500 shp. Overall development testing features five factory test engines that will accumulate aroundy 5,000 hours. To date, more than 300 hours have been logged on two engines. Overall engine performance is said to be “excellent”, with specific fuel consumption and power better than predicted.
GE38 operating attributes and benefits are what make this the optimal engine choice for the U.S. Navy’s new SSC program, according to Brien Bolsinger, GE Marine general manager. “The GE38 is ideally suited to perform very well as a marine application. The engine was designed with corrosion-resistant materials to operate in harsh marine environments and its modular design – which has sealed oil sumps and accessible gearbox -- provides for ease of field maintenance. In addition, aerodynamics, materials and cooling schemes are inherently designed into the GE38 for durable and efficient operation.”
Bolsinger states that the engine-mounted FADEC with prognostics and health management improves performance and reduces maintenance costs. Several pieces of support equipment have been eliminated to help minimise the GE38 engine footprint and to reduce operating and support costs by remaining installed longer.
The US Navy’s new air cushion SSC will transport vehicles, cargo and personnel from ship to shore and/or sea base to shore. The SSC is expected to replace the Landing Craft Air Cushion vessels.
GE says that a GE38-powered turbine generator set can offer an efficient source of electric power when coupled with an electric generator for DDG-51-class destroyers and future US Navy surface combatants, and offer an estimated 15% fuel savings over today’s turbine-generator sets.
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