Project: Breakthrough gas turbine technology enabling an efficient and clean source of power for applications in the 1 MW range.
Forecasts of world power demand predict a substantial increase over the next 25 years. It is widely accepted that fossil fuels will still be the dominant fuel for power generation in the coming decennia, both in Europe and throughout the rest of the world. In addition, power generation from renewable sources such as biomass, biogas and syngas is gaining importance in energy consumption. To convert different fuel sources to usable forms of energy, gas turbines claim an indispensable role. Hence in power generation from various fuel sources, the gas turbine is and will reCO a key technology. Gas turbines are generally used for the production of electricity and heat and for mechanical drive purposes, to drive applications directly._x000D_
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The market for small scale power generation has not developed in the past decades like that of larger systems. The CO reasons for this includes scaling effects (i.e. higher total costs with decreasing size) and legitimate technical issues. Currently, most gas turbines – the dominant choice above 25 MW – begin to lose their supremacy in the 1 – 10 MW range. Below 3,5 MW reciprocating engines become the dominant market segment player (See Appendix 3). These reciprocating engines have lower initial investment costs, which – until now – made it hard to penetrate this market with gas turbine technology. The downside of reciprocating engines is that they are polluting, large, heavy, require high-COtenance, and are limited to the use of fossil fuels._x000D_
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Thanks to its radial gas turbine technology, OPRA is the only player world wide that has a proven track record in developing, selling and servicing gas turbine engines in these lower power ranges. This patented technology elevated the turbine technology to a new level in relation to axial-only turbines. The results are less mechanical and thermal stress which results in a simpler, more robust and more efficient engine. _x000D_
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The consortium Ps of this project are OPRA Turbines (The Netherlands) and Präwest (Germany). The consortium sees good market opportunities for gas turbines in the power range of 1MW for power generation, mechanical drive and marine applications. _x000D_
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Based on innovative technology, the Ps plan to develop an innovative 1 MW turbine for these markets. The combination of the following factors makes this envisaged gas turbine unique:_x000D_
- The highest efficiency in its class;_x000D_
- The lowest NOx and CO emissions compared to other power sources that use fossil fuels, make this turbine the ultimate power source;_x000D_
- The capability of burning multiple fuels. This includes bio fuels, bringing them one step closer to large-scale application in markets world-wide;_x000D_
- Ultra compact and light-weight design;_x000D_
- Highly flexible in application possibilities: the turbine engine can be used for power generation, for mechanical drive and marine applications because of variable speed capabilities;_x000D_
- The possibility of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) enables use of the produced heat, increasing overall efficiency significantly;_x000D_
- The most robust, reliable and low-COtenance (few moving parts and easy access to parts in case of replacements) alternative;_x000D_
- A cost-effective product related to its alternatives._x000D_
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To reach this goal, breakthrough product and process technology must be developed by the consortium. Each P has its own field of expertise. OPRA has expertise on turbine development, marketing and selling these gas turbines and has specific market knowledge. OPRA has good contacts with several technical experts, who will assist OPRA in developing specific elements of the new turbine. These parties have cooperated with OPRA in the past and are reliable and well known Ps. OPRA assembles gas turbines in-house. The technological complex parts of the turbines require highly specialized and high-tech production technology. Therefore, Präwest is involved in this project as an expert on production technology with expertise on the manufacturing of highly complex products with demanding component specifications. An early involvement of the manufacturer of complex parts in this development project is needed to have an effective and efficient development process and ensures that anything that will be developed can eventually be produced at a competitive cost. With the composition of this consortium, all required expertise to successfully develop, produce and market the new product are brought together.
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Acronym
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OP10
(Reference Number: 7017)
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Duration
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01/02/2012 - 31/03/2015
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Project Topic
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This project aims to develop a uniquely new gas turbine based on the new technical concept of a two-shaft design in the power range of 1 MW: the OP10. The OP10 will have the highest efficiency in its class, will be extremely light, compact and flexible and will have low emissions.
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Network
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Eurostars
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Call
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Eurostars Cut-Off 7
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Project partner
