Distributed power generation using microturbines

Abstract

At present, the bulk of the world is electricity is generated in central power stations. This approach, one of `economy of size generates electricity in large power stations and delivers it to load centres via an extensive network of transmission and distribution lines. An alternative approach, that of distributed generation, which can be described as `economy of mass production, generates electricity by many smaller power stations located near to the load centres. One such form of small power generation system is that based on microturbines. Microturbines, as the name implies, much smaller versions of the conventional gas turbine. A major advantage of microturbines is its ability to provide firm power, provided that it is kept supplied with fuel. Presently the primary source of fuel is based on fossil fuels. However, gas turbines have the ability to accept various fuels, such as those based on liquid or gas. Being able to accept a diverse range of fuels this opens up possibilities of non-fossil based fuels to be used. Microturbines are small combustion turbines that produce between 25 kW and 500 kW of power. Microturbines were derived from turbocharger technologies found in large trucks or the turbines in aircraft auxiliary power units (APUs). Most microturbines are single-stage, radial flow devices with high rotating speeds of 90,000 to 120,000 revolutions per minute. This poster describes the research work that was undertaken by the CSIR that led to the demonstration of a microturbine to generate electrical power. Currently the CSIR is undertaking research into the production of biogas from wet organic waste sources as an alternative renewable fuel for microturbines