The Role of Micro Gas Turbines in Energy Transition

Abstract

In the progressively rising decentralized energy market, micro gas turbines (MGT) are seen with great potential owing to their low emissions, fuel flexibility, and low maintenance. The current transformation in the landscape of electricity supply with an increasing share of fluctuant renewable energy resources and increasing complexity requires a reliable and energy-efficient power generation source to support the grid. In this scenario, small-scale power plants that are constructed based on micro gas turbines with up to 250 kW power range can play a substantial role in meeting the challenges of the modern electricity grid. Micro gas turbines provide a reliable and cost-effective power source with a quick load-following ability which can respond to demand peaks and compensate for intermittent renewable sources when they are not available. MGT units can work as a system together with renewables, or function as a stand-alone unit in off-grid operations. The features of micro gas turbines are compatible with the energy transition that is the carbon-free modern energy grid. The technology underlying MGTs offer hybridization with renewable energy sources, flexibility in operations and type of fuel, and promising low emission solutions that align with environmental concerns. However, there is a continuous need to improve energy efficiency with a pressing urge for reducing emissions. This paper provides a review of micro gas turbines’ characteristics which promote their role in future power and heat generation systems. A brief overview of the challenges to improving operational flexibility, reliability, and availability of MGTs while maintaining low environmental impact and lowering the costs is presented. A model for an active monitoring and control system of the micro gas turbines is proposed which could improve the reliability of MGT operation in the grid by means of AI methods.

Techno-Economic Analysis of Combined Gas and Steam Propulsion System of Liquefied Natural Gas Carrier

“…Based on thermodynamic simulation data, the overall efficiency of the COGES system was calculated using Equation (5), resulting in a maximum efficiency of the system is 30.1%. This aligns with the practical operation of low-power-range power plants, where efficiencies typically range from 25% to 35% [54,55]. From these results, the COGES designed propulsion system can produce greater output power than commonly used factory engines such as diesel engines or dualfuel engines.…”

Adaptive Speed Controller for Micro Gas Turbine Systems Using Evolutionary Search Based on Genetic Algorithms

“…The study recognizes the absence of effective adaptive speed control mechanisms in these countries, where limited resources, unreliable power grids, and harsh environmental conditions pose major obstacles to ensuring optimal functionality. In addition, [7][9][28] [4] studied the use of MGTs in cogeneration applications for heat production. Here, this research paper seeks to contribute to the field of evolutionary-inspired adaptive speed control for MGT-based systems using genetically optimized solutions.…”

“…Notably, MGTs are widely used in various applications [4], including distributed power generation, cogeneration, and hybrid electric vehicles. They require precise speed control to ensure optimal performance and efficiency [8].…”

Fully Coupled Whole-Annulus Investigation of Combustor–Turbine Interaction with Reacting Flow

“…This paper also discusses how micro-gas turbines could be integrated with other energy systems such as Energies 2024, 17, 873 2 of 21 solar fields, ORCs, and fuel cells. Banihabib and Assadi [2] acknowledged the growing significance of micro-gas turbines in the expanding market of decentralized energy, citing advantages like low emissions, versatility in fuel use, and minimal maintenance requirements. They also addressed the need to enhance the operational adaptability, dependability, and availability of these turbines while still minimizing environmental impact.…”

“…Miki et al [7] used the Open National Combustion Code to simulate a 1/15 sector of a realistic combustor and first-stage high-pressure turbine. They performed three different cases: (1) without the vane and (2,3) with the vane at different clocking conditions. They found that the presence of the vane caused a noticeable difference in the flowfield.…”