Next Generation of Micro Gas Turbines for High Efficiency, Low Emissions and Fuel Flexibility

Next Generation of Micro Gas Turbines for High Efficiency, Low Emissions and Fuel Flexibility

Gas turbines are prime movers based on the Brayton thermodynamic cycle where the working fluid is compressed, thermal energy is then added, before expansion in a turbine to produce power to drive the compressor and produce useful shaft power. The term micro gas turbine (MGT) refers to units producing shaft power below about 500 kW. MGTs can achieve high power density and efficiency, and have the advantage of better fuel and operational flexibility compared to other prime movers of similar power rating. They require less maintenance and the noise level brought about by combustion is lower and easier to attenuate than in competing technologies. Despite previous research and development, MGTs still have a much low market share. Full technical potential has not been achieved due to insufficient investment in research and development and the absence of suitable coordination and innovation sharing mechanisms among stakeholders. The proposed multidisciplinary training and research programme aims at the development of the technical expertise and scientific knowledge that will enable a significantly improved understanding of the fundamental design and operational aspects of MGT technology which involves the development of analytical and numerical multi-physics models that will be validated using experimental data to enable a significantly improved understanding of the fundamental design and operational aspects. Component level technology and their integration in an optimal manner will be addressed. An insight into the main features of the incipient MGT community and the existing structures for collaborative research and technology transfer between research institutions and industry will provide valuable information to pave the way to establishing an important European industry. This would lead the way in distributed power generation and link to renewables utilisation. The outcome is significant contributions to researchers with up-to-date knowledge and skills in this field.