ALTERNATIVE MICROTURBINE FUELS FEASIBILITY STUDY THROUGH THERMAL STABILITY, MATERIAL COMPATIBILITY AND ENGINE TESTING

摘要

Historically, gas turbine fuels have been procured based on availability and low cost criteria. But in the last few decades, with the growing concern over the negative environmental impacts produced by emissions, alternative fuels have been developed and tested with the objective to reduce such negative effects. Physical properties and the broad chemical composition, including trace elements, may result in engine performance issues found only after extensive operation. This, in turn, results in higher maintenance and operation costs. This paper studies the feasibility for microturbine application of several renewable fuels, identifying key relationships between physical and chemical properties, thermal stability, materials compatibility, and turbine performance.