| SCHENECTADY, N.Y.—September 29, 2009—Taking another step in its on-going commitment to the future of the energy industry, GE Energy has invested more than $10 million to expand its generator development laboratories. The move is designed to help energy producers worldwide lower costs, improve performance and extend the life of their power generation equipment, as they compete in today’s challenging economy. GE’s recent investments include:
Both labs are located at GE Energy’s Schenectady, N.Y. complex. Generator Armature Development Laboratory (GADL) The GADL is equipped with advanced high-tech tools and equipment that will be used to evaluate stator bar and slot support designs for the development of generator products. Special instrumentation will allow the collection of electrical, vibratory and thermal data that normally can’t be obtained from an operating generator. The first testing activity at the GADL began in August 2009. The GADL has the capability to achieve high current levels for testing generator stator bars while drawing only a fraction of that energy from the power grid. This is achieved by a special resonant power supply system that provides 100x amplification of the electrical current that can be applied to the test component. “Our customers are demanding increased output and performance from GE generators for their power plants,” said Todd Ashley, general manager of generator and electrical systems technology. “This new test facility adds to GE‘s capabilities to validate new generator components that will ensure long and reliable service as well as increased performance.” GE’s investment in the GADL will accelerate the development of uprate technologies for existing generators and next-generation generators for the nuclear industry. Nonmetallic Materials Laboratory (NMM) This lab expansion has significantly increased new testing capabilities, focusing on extending generator life, improving failure analysis and investigation, material characterization at high or low temperatures, and next generation insulation systems development. The lab expansion includes new analytic chemistry capabilities to perform quality control, material development analysis and material evaluation diagnostics. The update also featured the investment of $400,000 in environmental health and safety improvements. “The lab expansion enhances our development capabilities, as well as our ability to respond to factory and customer needs,” said Mike Conway, general manager of GE’s generator division. “Our customers are requesting changes to existing generator testing codes and standards, and for tougher insulation testing to extend generator life. The lab renovation positions us to help meet and exceed customer expectations for generator performance.” With more than 100 years of experience, GE is a world leader in generator technology. GE generators can be driven by steam, heavy-duty gas or aeroderivative gas turbines and are matched to the turbine to create an optimum system. They provide customers with increased efficiency, reliability and availability. GE also offers a wide-range of services through the products’ life cycle. About GE Energy GE Energy (www.ge.com/energy) is one of the world’s leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technologies, with 2008 revenue of $29.3 billion. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, GE Energy works in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; and other alternative fuels. Numerous GE Energy products are certified under ecomagination, GE’s corporate-wide initiative to aggressively bring to market new technologies that will help customers meet pressing environmental challenges. About GE GE is a diversified global infrastructure, finance and media company that is built to meet essential world needs. From energy, water, transportation and health to access to money and information, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.ge.com. GE is Imagination at Work. About GE Hitachi Nuclear EnergyFor more information, contact:
Cynthia Mahoney White |
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