The micro gas turbine is the smaller sister of the gas turbine and functions in a similar way: the inlet air is compressed and pre-heated using hot exhaust gases. This air and the fuel gases, which are also compressed, are then combusted together. The released exhaust gases drive the turbine and generator (single shaft). The waste heat from the exhaust gases can be used for industrial production, heating and cooling. The electrical output is between 30 and 200 kW. They are typically used in hospitals, swimming pools and breweries. Micro gas turbines are able to react very quickly to fluctuating electricity demands. Research is being conducted to further increase the existing electrical efficiency of almost 30 per cent.
Combined heat and power generationDecentralised energy generation using micro gas turbines
Projects currently being funded
CO2 capture in oxyfuel coal-fired power plants
Higher pressure and lower flow losses in turbines
Capturing CO2 using coal gasification
CO2 scrubbing (post-combustion capture)
Hydrogen gas turbines
Higher temperatures in turbines
CO2 capture using lime or metal (looping)
Separating gases using membranes
Lignite drying
More flexibility for low-emission coal-fired power plants
International cooperation
More efficient generators thanks to nanoparticles
CO2 storage facilities
Micro gas turbines
Turbine combustion that produces lower amounts of harmful substances
CO2 compressors
Comparison of power plant systems
Efficiency of over 60% for the Irsching gas and steam power plant
Materials of construction for steam temperatures of over 700 °C
Storing electricity using compressed air
High-temperature heat storage systems for flexible CCGT power plants