Micro Gas Turbine for Combined Heat and Power in Distributed Generation

Abstract

Micro gas turbine units are becoming popular for on-site combined heat and power production (CHP). CHP units based on gas turbines have several advantages; low emissions, compactness, low maintenance costs and fuel flexibility. The successful development of a small high-speed turbogenerator gives major opportunities to meet the customers’ demands in a deregulated and competitive market. Vattenfall, together with Volvo Aero Turbines and ABB, has actively participated in development of a future concept of micro gas turbines. The first demonstration plant in Northern Europe for small scale heat and power co-generation, a 40 kWe turbogenerator was installed by Vattenfall at Pappersgruppen in Gothenburg, Sweden. A first evaluation phase of the demonstration plant has been performed. The electricity and heat output showed to be 38 kWe and 70 kW respectively at full load. The net plant efficiency was 28.2% and the overall efficiency was 80%, based on the lower heating value. The emissions from the unit were very low due to low emission combustion chamber. The evaluation period will continue during 97/98. The influence of outdoor temperature, degree of loading, as well as the required maintenance and manned operation will be investigated.