Pratt & Whitney Power Systems to Provide Sonelgaz with 18 MOBILEPAC Turbogenerators for Peaking Power Needs

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Pratt & Whitney Power Systems (PWPS) announced today at the POWER-GEN International tradeshow a contract with Compagnie de l'Engineering de l'Electricite et du Gaz (CEEG), a subsidiary of Sonelgaz, to supply eighteen FT8® MOBILEPAC® self-contained gas turbine-powered electric generating units for a number of locations in Algeria. Sonelgaz is a state-owned entity that is responsible for electricity and gas distribution throughout Algeria.  In 2010, Sonelgaz entered into a contract with PWPS to purchase four FT8 MOBILEPACS, two of which have already been delivered and are currently in operation. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company.

Delivery of the new MOBILEPAC equipment began in November 2011, and upon commissioning each individual unit is capable of providing quick-response, flexible peaking power. Each unit will operate on gas fuel with liquid fuel back up.  PWPS will also supply spare parts for operational support, as required. 

"We are delighted that Sonelgaz chose the FT8 MOBILEPAC for quick, reliable power," said Chuck Levey, vice president, Pratt & Whitney Power Systems. "These MOBILEPACs are anticipated to operate up to 5,000 hours per year, provide speed and flexibility, and greatly enhance reliable power to the grid. The MOBILEPAC can be installed easily at almost any location and conveniently relocated to meet emergency or temporary power requirements."

"In Algeria, the system demand increases significantly during the summer months and these units will add 300 megawatts of critical peaking capacity to the country's electric grid," said Mr. Mohamed Arkab, president and director general of CEEG, of Sonelgaz. "The MOBILEPAC solution from Pratt & Whitney is the right choice for our power needs because it is so easily and quickly transported and commissioned.  The units are also very easy to operate and maintain and will provide dependable electricity for a number of critical regions across the country. These units are a perfect fit."

The MOBILEPAC unit uses Pratt & Whitney Power Systems' proven FT8 engine, providing excellent performance and a high efficiency rate. Benefits of the MOBILEPAC include fast installation, remote monitoring, easy maintenance, dual fuel capability, black start ability and transportability by road, sea, or air.  The MOBILEPAC has a range of applications, including emergency power and seasonal demand generation.  In addition, the MOBILEPAC can incorporate additional noise and emissions equipment if required for long-term use.

The MOBILEPAC is designed to provide large blocks of power quickly and with minimal site preparation.  The compact design of the MOBILEPAC is built around two main trailers:  a starter/control room trailer and a gas turbine/generator trailer.  An operator can move these trailers from one site to another and begin generating power in less than one day of delivery of the trailers to the new site. 

In addition to ease of installation, the MOBILEPAC offers operational flexibility. The unit can produce either 50 or 60 cycle electricity, can operate on or off the commercial grid, can include water injection for environmental compliance, can accommodate a wide range of ambient conditions, and can be set up in a straight line or in a side-by-side configuration.

The FT8 series is designed and manufactured by Pratt & Whitney Power Systems and is a derivative of Pratt & Whitney's JT8D aircraft engine, one of the most successful flight engines in aviation history. The FT8 gas turbine leverages the extensive experience of the JT8D while incorporating updated technologies to produce power with low emissions and high base-load and part-load efficiency using natural gas fuel. The electric generating installations using the FT8 gas turbines are further designed with noise reduction equipment that ensures quiet operation.

The FT8 has been in production since 1991 and is now successfully operating at more than 70 customer sites around the world. With nearly 500 FT8 engines installed or on order, the FT8 engine is currently running at fleet reliability levels greater than 99 percent and has accumulated more than 3 million hours of operation.

Click here to view a short video of a recent MOBILEPAC air shipment to Algeria via an An-124 Antonov – one of the world's largest fixed-wing aircraft.

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines.  United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and commercial building industries. www.pw.utc.com

SOURCE Pratt & Whitney