Experiences With Microturbine Generator Systems Installed in the South Coast Air Quality Management District

Abstract

A comprehensive field data collection campaign is reported on in which operational data are being obtained from microturbine generators located in the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD). The data obtained are archived in a SQL database, which provides the ability to look at various performance aspects as a function of many parameters interactively on the Internet. An overview of the program is provided along with details regarding the data collection and archiving strategies. To provide a framework relative to optimal operation of these systems in the region, economics associated with various operational schedules as a function of various rate structures in Southern California are provided. In addition to quantitative operational characteristics and performance results, some general end-user impressions of the technology and of the overall installation process are also documented.Details from three representative sites are presented. BACKGROUNDMicroturbine generators (MTGs) are being deployed worldwide for a number of applications. MTGs enable end users to generate their own power during times when power is in short supply, thus alleviating peak stress on the grid, reducing the likelihood of rolling blackouts that utilities may have to impose, and displacing emissions from the highest-emitting and least energy-efficient peaking units.MTGs are available from a number of manufacturers including Bowman, Capstone, Elliott, Ingersol Rand, and Turbec, and represent an option for on-site power generation technology (known generically as "distributed generation"). MTGs can, in principle, be installed relatively quickly and require little maintenance. In addition to providing electricity, a

Integration of distributed generation systems into generic types of commercial buildings in California

“…Both electric and natural gas rates were taken as of April 2002. It is important to note that the main economic conclusions of this study might change depending on the current natural gas and electricity prices, as shown in a recent economic analysis on the operating savings provided by MTGs in southern California [9]. For instance, as of September of 2004, electric rates for the hospital building are almost 40% lower and gas rates have increased 30% approximately.…”

Fluid-Thermal-Structural Coupled Analysis of a Radial Inflow Micro Gas Turbine Using Computational Fluid Dynamics and Computational Solid Mechanics

“…In the work by Ribaud [2], a thermodynamic model was developed and applied to study heat transfer characteristic in an ultra-micro turbine at different situations. McDonell et al [3] studied the performance of a micro gas turbine at various conditions, and optimum operating parameters were obtained. Further, Rodgers [4] investigated flow characteristics and aerodynamic performance of a micro gas turbine.…”