Gas Turbine Units

Construction

Sunflower constructed the S4 gas turbine unit in 1976 and the S5 gas turbine unit in 1979. The total cost of construction for each unit was approximately $2 million.

Operation

The S4 and S5  units are simple cycle gas-fired turbine generators each capable of outputting approximately 55 megawatts. The units operate much as a typical jet aircraft engine. Natural gas is injected at high-pressure into the combustion cylinders where it is ignited causing the shaft to spin. The shaft is connected to a generator that produces the electric power. Sunflower’s transmission network carries the electricity to its member cooperatives and to non-member power customers. Sunflower uses these plants for system peeking needs.