No.4 Development of the "F" series gas turbine

In the 1980s, MHI started plans for a more advanced high-efficiency gas turbine after the successful development of the D
series gas turbine, which achieved a high turbine inlet temperature of 1,150 degree C.

This resulted in the small-size industrial gas turbine"MF-111".The MF-111 adopted many advanced key technologies,
which were necessary for future large capacity engines.

Numerous MF-111s have been installed throughout the many industries, becoming one of the best selling engines in
Japan for industrial gas turbines.
MF-111 is furnished with many features, such as the highest turbine inlet temperature for heavy duty gas turbines in its
time, turbine blades incorporating highly sophisticated cooling circuit by precision casting, MHI's proprietary turbine
material, a stacked-type disc rotor, and so on.
MF-111 has actually played an important role in the F series development process, as a small verification engine and the
precursor. (Click here)

The "F" series gas turbine was developed in the late 1980s, starting with research on advanced technologies at MHI
Takasago R&D center. (Click here)

In addition, a multi-premix type DLN (Dry Low NOx) combustor was newly developed following the world's first DLN
combustor, which was equipped to the "D" series gas turbine. (Click here)

The first unit of the "F" series engine was the 60Hz version of the "M501F". In 1989, various performance data were
accumulated on measurements up to the rated turbine inlet temperature at the load test facility in MHI Takasago
machinery works. Because of the successful results, the first 4 units of the M501F were ordered and supplied to FP& (Florida Power &
Light) by MHI through the main contractor in Unites states "Messrs. Westinghouse Electric Corp." (Click here)
A 50Hz version of the F series gas turbine "M701F" was installed at MHI Yokohama machinery works, in order to provide
peak-demand electricity to a domestic utility company, and has provided long-term verification operations. (Click here)

After those first units, the number of installed M501Fs and M701Fs has steadily increased and are accumulating
operating time.
Total accumulated operating hours already exceeds 1.2 million hours.
Up until today, "F" series gas turbines have experienced several technical issues. However, all such issues have been
overcome working from the root of the cause.

Current "F" series gas turbines are designated as Up-rated versions having a number of improvements that enable
higher performance as well as reliability.
The first two units of the Up-rated M701F engine (50Hz version) have been in commercial operation since 1997, and, in
addition, the first two units of the Up-rated M501F engine (60Hz version) have been in commercial operation since. Both
of these engines are in operation, providing excellent availability.

Sales of the "F" series (one of the main engines in the current gas turbine market) have reached over 100 units,
becoming the best selling gas turbine MHI has ever sold.

The "F" series gas turbine is a high performance engine incorporating all of MHI's advanced technologies.
Moreover, the "F" series engine will evolve continuously through MHI's enhanced future technologies.