Technology Overview

What is AFS?

Axial Fuel Staging Upgrade (AFS) is an upgrade that enables expanded emissions compliant turndown range for 7F turbines.
This allows these turbines to be better partners to variable renewable generation resources and provide additional grid ancillary services.

How does AFS work?

The Axial Fuel Staging (AFS) upgrade adds a new fuel circuit that introduces part of the fuel and air mixture at a downstream stage in the combustion system.
When the unit operates at baseload, fuel is injected though the AFS injector which maintains the same level of performance.
When the unit goes into extended turndown, the AFS injector is unfueled first, resulting in a high temperature being maintained in the primary combustor section to extend emissions compliance to lower load levels.

WATCH THE ANIMATION > > >

AFS in action

The AFS upgrade axially stages combustion in two zones, which allows the combustor to have enhanced performance at both baseload and minimum turndown. Click the play button to see how the technology functions.

Model simplified for clarity

How was AFS technology developed?

The decade-long evolution of AFS tells the story of GE’s innovation across our turbine fleet. The technology behind AFS stems from a combination of 7EA late lean technology, 7HA AFS technology, and 7F DLN 2.6+ fuel nozzles.