DOE selects Capstone Turbine to develop new power generator

Capstone Turbine Corp. (Chatsworth, CA) was selected by the United States Department of Energy (DOE) to receive $10 million to develop an Advanced Microturbine System. The $10 million, distributed over a five-year period, is the maximum available in the DOE's Advanced Microturbine Systems Program.

Requirements
The final objectives of the program are to create a microturbine system that will produce 170-180 kilowatts. It is to operate on a fuel-to-electricity efficiency of at least 40 percent, with NOx emissions of less than 7 parts per million (ppm) over the power range and low levels of carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons. The system will be capable of operating on multiple gaseous fuels, with an expected life more than 45,000 hours.

"Innovations from this program have already improved today's fleet of turbines," said DOE Secretary Bill Richardson, recently commenting on the advanced turbine systems program. "We are on the verge of moving an entirely new generation of technology into the market with the promise of even greater environmental and efficiency benefits."

Edited by Jerry R. Borland, P.E.
Managing Editor, EC Online