Power Quality and Air Emission Tests in a Micro Gas Turbine Cogeneration Plant.

Abstract

Distributed generation is an attractive way of producing energy, minimising transport losses and enhancing energy efficiency. Micro gas turbines in distributed generation systems add other advantages such as low emissions and fuel flexibility.

The objective of this paper is to present the experimental data of a 28 kW microturbine and a hot water waste-heat boiler at the testing facilities of CREVER in Tarragona. The purpose of this project is to determine their technical and economical viability, and their performance. The electrical efficiency measured is within the specifications provided by the manufacturer and decreases considerably with the power output. Air emissions are very low at full load and do not increase appreciably until the load is reduced below 60 – 70 % of the full load.

The results confirm that the power quality and air emissions in microturbines comply with the existing standards and that they are very competitive in comparison with other technologies in these aspects. Thus considerable market development is expected in the coming years although more research and development efforts will be needed.