Microturbine Generator

The Microturbine generator utilizes a gas or combustion turbine to power a rotary engine. The combustion of gasses produces a flow which powers the rotary engine producing electrical energy. Microturbine generators are used in the aircraft industry to power jet engines. The optimized thrust created to lift the aircraft is created from exhaust. The ducted fans connected to the gas turbines help to channel the exhaust. Gas turbines often referred to as Microturbines are also used in liquid propellant rockets and jet rockets. The benefit of Microturbine is its light weight nature of the material that is used to construct the Microturbine generator. Microturbines are used in small sizes as it helps to distribute the power it produces. The hybrid vehicle industry has also begun implementing Microturbines in the construction of newer vehicle models. Microturbines can output power from a few kilowatts to thousands depending on the tank size and the type of the Microturbine generator. Commercial and national grids utilize Microturbine generator technology to provide backup and standby power to certain industries and critical government buildings. The advantages of a Microturbine generator are the clean processing and power to weight ratio. Due to the advanced electronics Microturbine generators are capable of providing large power outputs without increasing the overall size or weight of the generator.

A primitive cooling system is used due to the nature of the Microturbine nature. A low oil cooling system can be used as lubrication is not needed for Microturbine generators. Microturbine generators utilize a wide range of fuels, gasoline, natural gas and propane can be used for low range Microturbine generators. Kerosene and diesel are used for the larger and more powerful Microturbine generator. Microturbine generators consist of a radial turbine, recuperator and a radial compressor. All three elements are extremely difficult to produce and is the main reason why Microturbine generators are not common in industries outside the aircraft industry. Microturbine generators are capable of managing heat energy by simply expelling it as exhaust and passing it through its cooling system. The disadvantage of having a low end cooling system is the large amount of heat energy that is wasted. The efficiency rating of a typical Microturbine generator is 25-35%. When utilized alongside a power cogeneration system it can raise its efficiency to over 80%.

The Microturbine generator continues to expand with the increasing technology that’s available today. However it still remains out of reach of the standard generators that can be used by homes and small businesses.

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