Mitsubishi Turbines
Mitsubishi MF-111 has a simple-cycle Lower Heating Value (LHV) thermal efficiency of approximately 30.0% to 31.0% depending on the specific model variation (MF-111A vs. MF-111B) and the type of fuel used, which can increase to 44.0% to 45.0% in combined-cycle or cogeneration configurations.
Key themes I noticed:
- Model Variations: As recorded in database sheets by Us & Gulf Energy, the earlier MF-111A model features a 12.6 MW power output with a 30.0% LHV thermal efficiency and a heat rate of ~11,250 BTU/kWh. The upgraded MF-111B increases performance to 14.6 MW (or 14.57 MW on natural gas) with a 31.0% LHV efficiency and a heat rate of ~11,020 BTU/kWh.
- Fuel-Specific Metrics: According to a Forecast International specification report, operating the MF-111 on natural gas provides slightly higher generator output (14.57 MW) and thermal efficiency (31.0%) compared to liquid fuel oil, which yields around 14.13 MW with an efficiency slightly below 31.0%.
- Combined-Cycle Boost: Thanks to a high turbine inlet temperature of 1,250°C and a resulting exhaust temperature of 530°C, mating the turbine to an exhaust Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) boosts the total thermal efficiency to 44.0%–45.0%, making it highly effective for cogeneration applications.
- Historical Pivot: A Turbomachinery International article notes that the completion of the MF-111 in 1986 was Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ first completely independent heavy-duty gas turbine design, concluding their 25-year licensing partnership with Westinghouse.