DOCSLIB.ORG

The Impact of a Microturbine Power Plant on an Off-Road Range

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Impact of a Microturbine Power Plant on an Off-Road Range The Impact of a Microturbine Power Plant On an Off-Road Range-Extended Electric Vehicle Andrew Wyatt Zetts Thesis submitted to the faculty of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering Alfred L. Wicks, Chair Douglas J. Nelson Walter F. O‘Brien February 11, 2015 Blacksburg, VA Keywords: Microturbine, HEV, Autonomy Copyright © 2015 by Andrew W Zetts The Impact of a Microturbine Power Plant On an Off-Road Range-Extended Electric Vehicle Andrew Wyatt Zetts ABSTRACT The purpose of this thesis is to examine the feasibility of using a microturbine to power an off-road Series Hybrid Autonomous Vehicle (SHEV), and evaluate the benefits and drawbacks inherent in using a microturbine rather than an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE). The specific power plant requirements for a low speed hybrid vehicle that must operate extensively as an Electric Vehicle (EV) and run on JP-8 (a diesel equivalent) are unusual; few options can adequately address all of these needs. Most development of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) has focused on gasoline ICE power plants, but Diesel ICEs are heavier, which has an adverse effect on EV range. While mechanically-linked turbine vehicles failed to have the same performance abilities of their ICE counterparts, a microturbine generator-powered SHEV can take advantage of its battery pack to avoid the issues inherent in its mechanical predecessors. A microturbine generator is mechanically decoupled from the powertrain, allowing for an incredibly power dense power plant that lightens the weight of the vehicle. This weight reduction directly correlates to an increased EV operational range, enhancing mobility, stealth, and the tactical effectiveness of the squad that the vehicle is intended to support. To determine the full impact that a microturbine might have on this specific SHEV, modeling of the vehicle was conducted to directly compare a microturbine and an ICE power plant using two drive cycles that were designed to simulate the typical operation specific to the vehicle. Drive cycle analysis revealed that the improved EV performance and design flexibility offered by the microturbine’s weight justifies the selection of a microturbine over an ICE for this specific case. This decision is dependent upon several factors: a microturbine with fuel efficiency comparable to an ICE, the selection of a large battery pack, and an emphasis on EV operations. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to use this opportunity to express my gratitude to everyone who supported me throughout the course of writing this thesis, in an educational capacity, and during the writing process. I am deeply grateful to my advisor Al Wicks, who took me on as a graduate student after giving me a chance to prove myself based upon my hard work rather than grades alone. The research work I have done in the past few years has made me many times the engineer I ever was as an undergraduate. I would also like to thank the rest of my committee, Doug Nelson and Walter O’Brien, for serving on my committee. My thesis is stronger as a result of working with professors who are respected in their fields, both through their suggestions and my attempts to write to their standards. I would be unable to write a thesis with quantitative information if not for the help of TORC Robotics and Electric Jet of Blacksburg, VA. By providing me with localization data and Turbine efficiency data, I was able to construct drive cycle modeling based upon actual data, moving beyond hypothetical scenarios to demonstrate that this design has merit. As there is very little data publically available for either of these very specific applications, I truly could not have done this work without them, and I am truly thankful. The work ethic and passion of both of these growing companies is contagious. I have had the pleasure of working side-by-side with TORC for several years now, which has made me a more efficient and professional engineer. Electric Jet has been more than happy to meet with me whenever I have had questions about microturbines operation and design. Their hard work in the development of a small lightweight microturbine is very apparent and I have benefitted immensely as a result. I have been blessed to have worked with some of the best masters students in the world in the Applied Autonomy lab. My work with Chuck and David during my senior year on developing a proof of concept hybrid GUSS vehicle helped me enormously in the development of this thesis. Along with incredible guidance from John, the skills I learned from working on that project helped me in my work, both in the garage and at my desk. Phillip did much of the ground work for developing the concept of a hybrid GUSS, and my work builds off of his thesis. I am thankful for everyone who I’ve worked with in the GUSS program. I have had the pleasure of designing and developing the ITV-GUSS alongside several other talented engineers. The working relationship that I have developed with the engineers from the many entities involved in the project has prepared me for the professional world, and I hope that this thesis can benefit them a fraction as much as I have benefitted from them. In the past year I’ve struggled alongside Philip to finish building and maintaining the ITV-GUSS fleet, and I would never have been able to meet GUSS deadlines (let alone finish this thesis) if not for him. Finally, I would like to thank my friends and family for their support. My mother and father have demonstrated an unwavering belief in me, and I am thankful for the work ethic they iii instilled in me as a child. I hope I have made you proud. Special thanks go to Sarah for helping me edit when my grammatical skills were lacking. Last but not least, my years in graduate school would have been much harder if not for the dedication and love of my girlfriend Kelley. You have always supported me when my research has required long hours. Your dedication and assistance, even when this thesis shortened my winter break to a couple of days, is truly humbling. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................... iii Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................ v List of Figures .......................................................................................................................... viii List of Tables ............................................................................................................................... x Acronymns and Abbreviations ................................................................................................... xi CHAPTER 1 PROBLEM DEFINITION AND APPROACH .............................................. 1 1.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Thesis Statement .............................................................................................................. 2 1.3 Background of Turbines Powered Vehicles ..................................................................... 4 1.4 Background of the Ground Unmanned Support Surrogate Program ............................... 5 1.4.1 GUSS Mission Goals ............................................................................................ 5 1.4.2 Previous GUSS Vehicles ....................................................................................... 5 1.4.3 HEV-GUSS Performance Standards ..................................................................... 7 1.5 Thesis Content .................................................................................................................. 7 CHAPTER 2 TECHNOLOGY REVIEW........................................................................ 9 2.0 Chapter Introduction ........................................................................................................ 9 2.1 Hybrid Vehicles................................................................................................................ 9 2.1.0 Section Summary .................................................................................................. 9 2.1.1 Theory of Hybrid Vehicles .................................................................................... 9 2.1.2 Power Plant to Energy Storage relationship ........................................................ 10 2.2 Microturbines ................................................................................................................. 16 2.2.1 Section Summary ................................................................................................ 16 2.2.2 Basic Turbine Overview...................................................................................... 16 2.2.3 Microturbine Overview ....................................................................................... 17 CHAPTER 3 DEFINING A MODEL TO BENCHMARK VEHICLE PERFORMANCE ....24 3.0 Chapter Summary ........................................................................................................... 24 3.1 Drive Cycle Analysis ..................................................................................................... 24 3.1.1 Drive Cycle Design ............................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Micro Gas Turbine Engine: a Review
    Chapter 5 Micro Gas Turbine Engine: A Review Marco Antônio Rosa do Nascimento, Lucilene de Oliveira Rodrigues, Eraldo Cruz dos Santos, Eli Eber Batista Gomes, Fagner Luis Goulart Dias, Elkin Iván Gutiérrez Velásques and Rubén Alexis Miranda Carrillo Additional information is available at the end of the chapter http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/54444 1. Introduction Microturbines are energy generators whose capacity ranges from 15 to 300 kW. Their basic principle comes from open cycle gas turbines, although they present several typi‐ cal features, such as: variable speed, high speed operation, compact size, simple opera‐ bility, easy installation, low maintenance, air bearings, low NOX emissions and usually a recuperator (Hamilton, 2001). Microturbines came into the automotive market between 1950 and 1970. The first microtur‐ bines were based on gas turbine designed to be used in generators of missile launching sta‐ tions, aircraft and bus engines, among other commercial means of transport. The use of this equipment in the energy market increased between 1980 and 1990, when the demand for distributed generating technologies increased as well (LISS, 1999). Distributed generation systems may prove more attractive in a competitive market to those seeking to increase reliability and gain independence by self-generating. Manufacturers of gas and liquid-fueled microturbines and advanced turbine systems have bench test results showing that they will either meet or beat current emission goals for nitrogen oxides (NOX) and other pollutants (Hamilton, 2001). Air quality regulation agencies need to account for this technological innovation. Emission control technologies and regulations for distributed generation system are not yet precisely defined.
    [Show full text]
  • A Review of Range Extenders in Battery Electric Vehicles: Current Progress and Future Perspectives
    Review A Review of Range Extenders in Battery Electric Vehicles: Current Progress and Future Perspectives Manh-Kien Tran 1,* , Asad Bhatti 2, Reid Vrolyk 1, Derek Wong 1 , Satyam Panchal 2 , Michael Fowler 1 and Roydon Fraser 2 1 Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L3G1, Canada; [email protected] (R.V.); [email protected] (D.W.); [email protected] (M.F.) 2 Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L3G1, Canada; [email protected] (A.B.); [email protected] (S.P.); [email protected] (R.F.) * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +1-519-880-6108 Abstract: Emissions from the transportation sector are significant contributors to climate change and health problems because of the common use of gasoline vehicles. Countries in the world are attempting to transition away from gasoline vehicles and to electric vehicles (EVs), in order to reduce emissions. However, there are several practical limitations with EVs, one of which is the “range anxiety” issue, due to the lack of charging infrastructure, the high cost of long-ranged EVs, and the limited range of affordable EVs. One potential solution to the range anxiety problem is the use of range extenders, to extend the driving range of EVs while optimizing the costs and performance of the vehicles. This paper provides a comprehensive review of different types of EV range extending technologies, including internal combustion engines, free-piston linear generators, fuel cells, micro Citation: Tran, M.-K.; Bhatti, A.; gas turbines, and zinc-air batteries, outlining their definitions, working mechanisms, and some recent Vrolyk, R.; Wong, D.; Panchal, S.; Fowler, M.; Fraser, R.
    [Show full text]
  • Performance and Emission Study on Waste Cooking Oil Biodiesel and Distillate Blends for Microturbine Application
    AIMS Energy, 3 (4): 798–809. DOI: 10.3934/energy.2015.4.798 Received date 16 August 2015, Accepted date 17 November 2015, Published date 23 November 2015 http://www.aimspress.com/ Research article Performance and emission study on waste cooking oil biodiesel and distillate blends for microturbine application Ee Sann Tan1,*, Kumaran Palanisamy1, Teuku Meurah Indra Mahlia1 and Kunio Yoshikawa2 1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Jalan Ikram-Uniten, 43000, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia 2 Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan * Correspondence: Email: [email protected]; Tel: +6-038-921-2020; Fax: +6-038-921-2116. Abstract: Biodiesel is defined as domestic renewable energy resource, which can be derived from natural oils through the transesterification. The implementation of biodiesel is essential due to the energy depletion crisis and the impact on exacerbating environment caused by rapid consumption of conventional diesel. Waste cooking oil (WCO) was used as the raw material to produce biodiesel in order to reduce wastes polluting the environment. This paper studies the technical potential of WCO biodiesel to be used as an alternative fuel for microturbine. The ASTM D6751 and ASTM D2881 standards were selected as references to evaluate the compatibility with distillate to be used as a microturbine fuel. The performance and emission tests were conducted employing a 30 kW microturbine, without any modification, using biodiesel and distillate blends up to maximum of 20% biodiesel mixing ratio. It was found that the thermal efficiency peaked at 20% biodiesel blend with distillate, despite the fact that biodiesel had a lower calorific value and a higher fuel consumption.
    [Show full text]
  • Performance Enhancement of Microturbine Engines Topped With
    Pezhman Akbari Performance Enhancement of Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, 2500 Engineering Building, Microturbine Engines Topped East Lansing, MI 48824-1226 e-mail: [email protected] With Wave Rotors Razi Nalim Department of Mechanical Engineering, Significant performance enhancement of microturbines is predicted by implementing vari- Indiana University–Purdue University ous wave-rotor-topping cycles. Five different advantageous cases are considered for Indianapolis (IUPUI), implementation of a four-port wave rotor into two given baseline engines. In these ther- Indianapolis, IN 46202-5132 modynamic analyses, the compressor and turbine pressure ratios and the turbine inlet e-mail: [email protected] temperatures are varied, according to the anticipated design objectives of the cases. Advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Comparison between the theoretic perfor- Norbert Müller mance of wave-rotor-topped and baseline engines shows a performance enhancement up Department of Mechanical Engineering, to 34%. General design maps are generated for the small gas turbines, showing the Michigan State University, design space and optima for baseline and topped engines. Also, the impact of ambient 2455 Engineering Building, temperature on the performance of both baseline and topped engines is investigated. It is East Lansing, MI 48824-1226 shown that the wave-rotor-topped engines are less prone to performance degradation ͓ ͔ e-mail: [email protected] under hot-weather conditions than the baseline engines. DOI: 10.1115/1.1924484 Introduction microturbines ͓6,7͔. Utilizing conventional recuperators based on the use of existing materials can improve the overall efficiency of A growing market for distributed power generation and propul- microturbines up to 30% ͓2,8–10͔.
    [Show full text]
  • Factors Influencing the Performance of Foil Gas Thrust Bearings for Oil-Free Turbomachinery Applications
    FACTORS INFLUENCING THE PERFORMANCE OF FOIL GAS THRUST BEARINGS FOR OIL-FREE TURBOMACHINERY APPLICATIONS by BRIAN DAVID DYKAS Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements For the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Joseph M. Prahl Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY May 2006 CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES We hereby approve the dissertation of ______________________________________________________ candidate for the Ph.D. degree *. (signed)_______________________________________________ (chair of the committee) ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ (date) _______________________ *We also certify that written approval has been obtained for any proprietary material contained therein. Table of Contents Table of Contents ............................. iii ListofTables............................... vi ListofFigures............................... vii Acknowledgements ............................ x Nomenclature............................... xi Abstract.................................. xiii 1 Introduction 1 1.1Oil-FreeTurbomachineryApplications................. 1 1.2EnablingTechnologies.......................... 5 1.3 Present Work ............................... 6 References.................................... 9 2 Background of the Art 11
    [Show full text]
  • Investigation of Micro Gas Turbine Systems for High Speed Long Loiter Tactical Unmanned Air Systems
    Article Investigation of Micro Gas Turbine Systems for High Speed Long Loiter Tactical Unmanned Air Systems James Large † and Apostolos Pesyridis *,† Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, London, UK; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +44-189-526-7901 † These authors contributed equally to this work. Received: 6 March 2019; Accepted: 7 May 2019; Published: 14 May 2019 Abstract: In this study, the on-going research into the improvement of micro-gas turbine propulsion system performance and the suitability for its application as propulsion systems for small tactical UAVs (<600 kg) is investigated. The study is focused around the concept of converting existing micro turbojet engines into turbofans with the use of a continuously variable gearbox, thus maintaining a single spool configuration and relative design simplicity. This is an effort to reduce the initial engine development cost, whilst improving the propulsive performance. The BMT 120 KS micro turbojet engine is selected for the performance evaluation of the conversion process using the gas turbine performance software GasTurb13. The preliminary design of a matched low-pressure compressor (LPC) for the proposed engine is then performed using meanline calculation methods. According to the analysis that is carried out, an improvement in the converted micro gas turbine engine performance, in terms of thrust and specific fuel consumption is achieved. Furthermore, with the introduction of a CVT gearbox, the fan speed operation may be adjusted independently of the core, allowing an increased thrust generation or better fuel consumption. This therefore enables a wider gamut of operating conditions and enhances the performance and scope of the tactical UAV.
    [Show full text]
  • Application of Micro Gas Turbine in Range-Extended Electric Vehicles
    Application of Micro Gas Turbine in Range-Extended Electric Vehicles Apostolos Karvountzis-Kontakiotisa,b, Amin Mahmoudzadeh Andwaria,d*Apostolos Pesiridisa, Salvatore Russoc, Raffaele Tuccilloc and Vahid Esfahaniand a Centre for Advanced Powertrain and Fuels Research (CAPF), Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, Brunel University London, London UB8 3PH, UK b Department of Mechanical Engineering & Aeronautics, City University of London, Northampton Square, London EC1V 0HB, UK c Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Via Claudio 21, Napoli, Italy d Vehicle, Fuel and Environment Research Institute, School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran 1439956191, Iran *Corresponding author E-mail: [email protected] Abstract The increasing number of passenger cars worldwide and the consequent increasing rate of global oil consumption have raised the attention on fuel prices and have caused serious problems to the environment. Nowadays, the demand for reducing fuel consumption and pollutant emissions has paved the way to the development of more efficient power generation systems for the transportation sector. The lower fuel burning and pollutant emissions of hybrid electric vehicles give a strong motivation and encourage further investigations in this field. This research aims to investigate novel configurations, which could achieve further performance benefits for vehicle powertrain. Automakers claim that the employment of a gas turbine operating as range extender in a series hybrid configuration is the most efficiency solution in the coming years. In particular, a Micro Gas Turbine (MGT) can be considered as an alternative to the internal combustion engine (ICE) as a range extender for electric vehicles.
    [Show full text]
  • Distributed Power Generation Using Biogas Fuelled Microturbines
    DISTRIBUTED POWER GENERATION USING BIOGAS FUELLED MICROTURBINES ETSU Contract B/U1/00670/00/REP DTI/PubURN 02/1345 Contractor Advantica Prepared by Kevin Pointon and Mike Langan The work described in this report was carried out under contract as part of the New and Renewable Energy Programme, managed by ETSU on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry. The views and judgments expressed in this report are those of the contractor and do not necessarily reflect those of ETSU or the Department of Trade and Industry. First Published 2002 © Advantica Technologies Ltd Executive Summary Background Biogas, from anaerobic digestion (AD) contains a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide, with a calorific value (CV) between 50% and 60% of that of natural gas. According to the UK Government’s renewable energy strategy, there is considerable potential for electricity generation from biomass, and the European Union Renewable Energy Campaign for Take-off sets a target of 1GW of biogas fuelled installations throughout Europe by 2003. The use of AD to generate biogas is a mature technology, however, despite government initiatives to promote its widespread use, biogas generation is limited to the wastewater treatment industry and to a few small farm based projects. One of the limitations is the availability and reliability of small-scale power generation technologies. The development of the biogas compatible microturbine could improve the reliability and performance of the power generation side of the plant. The establishment of a link between a well-characterised biogas demonstration with a microturbine with proven operation on natural gas is a significant extension to existing technology.
    [Show full text]
  • MICRO TURBOMACHINERY Applications August 2020
    Turbomachinery Laboratory, Texas A&M University Mechanical Engineering Department MICRO TURBOMACHINERY Applications August 2020 Luis San Andrés Mast-Childs Chair Professor http://rotorlab.tamu.edu MICROTURBOMACHINERY Justification DOE, DARPA, NASA interests range from applications as portable fuel cells (< 60 kW) in microengines to midsize gas turbines (< 400 kW) for distributed power and hybrid vehicles. Meso-scale or MEMS turbomachinery (< 100 W) for Next Generation Land Warriors, Micro vehicles & robots, portable electronic devices and systems, Smart munitions MICROTURBOMACHINERY as per IGTI Drivers: Distributed power deregulation in (Hybrid Gas turbine & Fuel Cell), distributed Hybrid vehicles power, environmental Automotive ASME Paper No. GT2002-30404 needs, turbochargers, Honeywell, Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Merit turbo expanders, increased Review compressors, reliability & efficiency Max. Power ~ 250 kWatt International Gas Turbine Institute POWER RANGE < 400 kW < 100 W http://smarteconomy.typepad.com/sma rt_economy/2006/09/microgas_turbin.h tml Distribute power http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/Auto engine and Portable Electronic ASME Paper No. GT2002-30404 (Gas turbine &Fuel Oilfree/turbocharger.htmpart / Industrial Devices Cell Hybrid) compressor http://www.miti.cc/newsletters/150 Kang, S., Ph D dissertation Honeywell, Hydrogen and Fuel Cells hpcompressozr.pdf (Stanford Univ.) Merit Review MICRO GAS TURBINES Cogeneration systems with high efficiency Microturbine Power Conversion Technology Review, ORNL/TM-2003/74. • Multiple fuels (best if MANUFACTURER OUTPUT POWER (kW) free) Bowman 25, 80 • 99.99X% Reliability Capstone 30, 60, 200 • Low emissions Elliott Energy 35, 60, 80, 150 Systems • Reduced maintenance General 175 • Lower lifecycle cost Electric Ingersoll 70, 250 60kW MGT Rand Turbec, ABB & 100 Volvo Hybrid System: MGT with Fuel Cell can reach efficiency > 60% Ideal to replace reciprocating engines.
    [Show full text]
  • Microturbine Sessions 2003: a Review
    Microturbine Sessions 2003: A Review by Debbie Haught, Microturbine Program Manager, Office of Distributed Energy, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, D.C., USA Abstract Microturbines were once again a popular topic at ASME TURBO EXPO 2003, held last June in Atlanta, Georgia. Microturbines, small combustion turbines about the size of a refrigerator with outputs from 25 to 500 kW, are commercially available from five suppliers with other developers potentially entering the market. Microturbines and other distributed energy devices such as fuel cells and reciprocating engines supply local energy systems that generate electric, thermal or mechanical energy on or near customer sites. With microturbines, customers are reducing energy costs, avoiding power outages like the Northeast Blackout of 2003, reducing environmental impacts and meeting premium power needs. These customers include supermarkets, hotels, stores, industrial facilities, waste water treatment plants, schools and a whole host of others. The three panel sessions hosted by the Microturbine & Small Turbomachinery Committee explored the status and advancements in microturbine technology and reviewed operating experiences in various applications. Microturbine developers discussed design and performance improvements in turbomachinery, combustion systems, and recuperators for current products. Development efforts for next generation high efficiency engines and integrated combined heat and power (CHP) packages were also presented. Representatives of users discussed the installation and operational experiences of microturbines in various applications in the United States and Canada. At the end of the meeting, the sentiment from the speakers and participants was that microturbines are a successful new technology on the verge of making significant penetration into the marketplace. Improvements are continuing to be made in the technology at the same time as more and more applications are being identified for microturbines and integrated microturbine based CHP packages.
    [Show full text]
  • Converting an Automobile Turbocharger Into a Micro Gas Turbine
    E3S Web of Conferences 95, 02008 (2019) https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/20199502008 ICPEME 2019 Converting an automobile turbocharger into a micro gas turbine M Usman Butt Mechanical Engineering Dept, University of Lahore, 1-km raiwind road, Lahore, Pakistan Abstract. A low cost micro turbojet made by using an automobile turbocharger and other automobile components for research is presented in this paper. The machine comprises mainly of three main assemblies, the compressor & turbine assembly, the combustion chamber and the lubrication & cooling accessories. Carefully selected turbocharger with correct compressor & turbine combination by taking into account their efficiencies and losses associated with their small size and suitably designed combustion chamber results in a self-sustaining turbojet. The combustion chamber is composed of a combustion liner/flame tube and an outer cylinder. The flame tube is divided into three different zones to allow complete combustion and cooling of hot gases. The fuel used is liquid petroleum gas (LPG). The maximum pressure recorded in the combustion chamber was 11.5 psi and a pressure loss of about 4%. The maximum rpm (revolutions per minute) of the engine ranged to 84000. 1 Introduction Lower component efficiencies (i.e. compressor & turbine) Invention of jet engines had revolutionized the air travel. Large area to volume ratios causing high heat Aircrafts could achieve speeds greater than the speed of losses sound using these engines. Military and commercial jet Losses in auxillary systems engines (even the small ones) are however extremely expensive and complex. Micro turbines are small, easy A gas turbine uses the same concept to produce to operate but their efficiencies are too low especially in power.
    [Show full text]
  • Section 5: Technology Characterization-Microturbines
    Section 5. Technology Characterization – Microturbines U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Combined Heat and Power Partnership March 2015 Disclaimer The information contained in this document is for information purposes only and is gathered from published industry sources. Information about costs, maintenance, operations, or any other performance criteria is by no means representative of EPA, ORNL, or ICF policies, definitions, or determinations for regulatory or compliance purposes. The September 2017 revision incorporated a new section on packaged CHP systems (Section 7). This Guide was prepared by Ken Darrow, Rick Tidball, James Wang and Anne Hampson at ICF International, with funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. Catalog of CHP Technologies ii Disclaimer Section 5. Technology Characterization – Microturbines 5.1 Introduction Microturbines, as the name implies, are small combustion turbines that burn gaseous or liquid fuels to drive an electrical generator, and have been commercially available for more than a decade. Today’s microturbine technology is the result of development work in small stationary and automotive gas turbines, auxiliary power equipment, and turbochargers, much of which took place in the automotive industry beginning in the 1950s. The development of microturbine systems was accelerated by the similarity of design to large engine turbochargers, and that provided the basis for the engineering and manufacturing technology of microturbine components. During the 1990s several companies developed competing microturbine products and entered, or planned to enter, the market. As the market matured, the industry underwent a consolidation phase during which companies merged, changed hands, or dropped out of the market.
    [Show full text]