Search Results (154)

With the increasing integration of renewable energy, virtual power plants (VPPs) have emerged as key market participants by aggregating distributed energy resources. However, their involvement in electricity markets is increasingly challenged by two major uncertainties: price volatility and the intermittency of renewable generation. This study presents the first application of Information Gap Decision Theory (IGDT) within a two-stage cooperative scheduling framework for VPPs. A novel bidding strategy model is proposed, incorporating both robust and opportunistic optimization methods to explicitly account for decision-making behaviors under different risk preferences. In the day-ahead stage, a risk-responsive bidding mechanism is designed to address price uncertainty. In the real-time stage, the coordinated dispatch of micro gas turbines, energy storage systems, and flexible loads is employed to minimize adjustment costs arising from wind and solar forecast deviations. A case study using spot market data from Shandong Province, China, shows that the proposed model not only achieves an effective balance between risk and return but also significantly improves renewable energy integration and system flexibility. This work introduces a new modeling paradigm and a practical optimization tool for precision trading under uncertainty, offering both theoretical and methodological contributions to the coordinated operation of flexible resources and the design of electricity market mechanisms. Full article

This paper presents a detailed numerical investigation of the effect of hub-mounted riblets on the thermal and aerodynamic performance of a radial turbine rotor. While prior studies have shown that riblets reduce wall shear stress and improve aerodynamic efficiency, their influence on heat transfer and thermal losses remains underexplored. Using numerical simulations, this study examines the heat transfer characteristics within the rotor passage, comparing ribbed and smooth hub configurations under the same operating conditions. Results reveal that although riblets reduce frictional drag, they also enhance convective heat transfer—leading to a 6% increase in the heat transfer coefficient at the hub and 2.8% at the blade surfaces. This intensification of heat transfer results in a 4.3% rise in overall thermal losses, counteracting some of the aerodynamic gains. The findings provide new insights into the thermofluidic implications of surface modifications in turbomachinery and emphasise the importance of considering surface finish not only for aerodynamic optimisation but also for thermal efficiency. These results can inform future turbine design and manufacturing practices aimed at controlling surface roughness to minimise heat loss. Full article

This research considers a preliminary comparative technical evaluation of two micro-gas turbine (MGT) systems in combined heat and power (CHP) mode (100 kWe), aimed at supplying heat to a residential community of 15 average-sized buildings located in Central Europe over a year. Two systems were modelled in Ebsilon 15 software: a natural gas case (benchmark) and an ammonia-fueled case, both based on the same on-design parameters. Off-design simulations evaluated performance over variable ambient temperatures and loads. Idealized, unrecuperated cycles were adopted to isolate the thermodynamic impact of the fuel switch under complete combustion assumption. Under these assumptions, the study shows that the ammonia system produces more electrical energy and less excess heat, yielding marginally higher electrical efficiency and EUF (26.05% and 77.63%) than the natural gas system (24.59% and 77.55%), highlighting ammonia’s utilization potential in such a context. Future research should target validating ammonia combustion and emission profiles across the turbine load range, and updating the thermodynamic model with a recuperator and SCR accounting for realistic pressure losses. Full article

Originally introduced in the 1960s by DISA Elektronik as a calibration tunnel for hot-wire anemometers, the Type 55D41 has now been reengineered into a versatile and modern aerodynamic test platform. While retaining key legacy components, such as the converging nozzle and the 55D42 power unit, the upgraded system features a redesigned modular test section with optical-grade quartz windows. This enhancement enables compatibility with advanced flow diagnostics and visualization methods, including PTV, DIC, and schlieren imaging. The modernized facility maintains the precision and flow stability that made the original design widely respected, while expanding its functionality to meet the demands of contemporary experimental research. Its architecture supports the aerodynamic characterization of micro-scale static pressure probes used in aerospace, propulsion, and micro gas turbine applications. Special attention is given to assessing the influence of probe tip geometry (e.g., conical, ogive), port positioning, and stem interference on measurement accuracy. Full article

This study examines the performance of two diffuser configurations—a trumpet-shaped and a semi-diagonal design—for application in micro gas turbine engines, aiming to assess their suitability in terms of efficiency and operational flexibility. Both diffusers were initially evaluated using steady-state CFD simulations with the k-omega SST turbulence model, followed by experimental testing on an actual engine across the start-up sequence from idle to 70% of nominal speed. Performance was mapped over four constant-speed lines for each configuration. Results showed that the trumpet-shaped diffuser offered a greater choke margin but suffered from increased aerodynamic losses, whereas the semi-diagonal diffuser demonstrated higher efficiency but required closer alignment with the target operating point. The k-omega SST model showed strong predictive accuracy, with 5.13% agreement across all instrumented parameters for all investigated speed lines. These findings suggest that while the trumpet diffuser provides better stability, the semi-diagonal design is more efficient when properly targeted. Future work will focus on extending the analysis to higher speed ranges and transient regimes using harmonic balance CFD methods and enhanced data acquisition techniques. Full article

The degradation process of HVOF-MCrAlY + APS-nanostructured YSZ (APS-nYSZ) thermal barrier coatings, produced using gas turbine OEM-approved MCrAlY powders, is investigated by studying the TGO growth and crack propagation behaviors in a thermal cycling environment. The TGO growth yields a parabolic mechanism on the surfaces of all HVOF-MCrAlYs, and the growth rate increases with the aluminum content in the “classical” MCrAlYs. The APS-nYSZ layer comprises micro-structured YSZ (mYSZ) and nanostructured YSZ (nYSZ) zones. Both mYSZ/mYSZ and mYSZ/nYSZ interfaces appear to be crack nucleation sites, resulting in crack propagation and consequent crack coalescence within the APS-nYSZ layer in the APS-nYSZ/HVOF-MCrAlY vicinity. Crack propagation in the TBCs can be characterized as a steady-state crack propagation stage, where crack length has a nearly linear relationship with TGO thickness, and an accelerating crack propagation stage, which is apparently a result of the coalescence of neighboring cracks. All TBCs fail in the same way as APS-/HVOF-MCrAlY + APS-conventional YSZ analogs, but the difference in thermal cycling lives is not substantial, although the HVOF-low Al-NiCrAlY encounters chemical failure in the early stage of thermal cycling. Full article

Micro gas turbines serve small-scale generation where swift response and low emissions are highly valued, and they are commonly fuelled by natural gas. True to their ‘micro’ designation, their size is indeed compact; however, a noteworthy portion of the enclosure is devoted to power electronics components. This article considers whether these components can be made even smaller by substituting their conventional silicon switches with switches fashioned from silicon carbide. The wider bandgap of silicon carbide permits stronger electric fields and reliable operation at higher temperatures, which together promise lower switching losses, less heat, and simpler cooling arrangements. This study rests on a simple volumetric model. Two data sets feed the model. First come the manufacturer specifications for a pair of converter modules (one silicon, the other silicon carbide) with identical operation ratings. Second are the operating data and dimensions of a commercial 100 kW micro gas turbine. The model splits the converter into two parts: the semiconductor package and its cooling hardware. It then applies scaling factors that capture the higher density of silicon carbide and its lower switching losses. Lower switching losses reduce generated heat, so heatsinks, fans, or coolant channels can be slimmer. Together these effects shrink the cooling section and, therefore, the entire converter. The findings show that a micro gas turbine inverter built with silicon carbide occupies about one fifth less space and delivers more than a quarter higher power density than its silicon counterpart. Full article

To improve the convective heat transfer in internal cooling channels of heavy-duty gas turbine blades, this study experimentally and numerically investigates the thermal performance of rectangular channels with hybrid pin-fins and micro V-ribs turbulators. The transient thermochromic liquid crystal (TLC) technique and ANSYS 2019 R3 (ICEM CFD 2019 R3, Fluent 2019 R3, CFD-Post 2019 R3) were employed under Reynolds numbers ranging from 10,000 to 50,000, with the numerical model rigorously validated against experimental data (the maximum RMSE is 2.5%). It is found that hybrid pin-fins and continuous V-ribs configuration exhibits the maximum heat transfer enhancement of 27.6%, with an average friction factor increase of 13.3% and 21.9% improvement in thermal performance factor (TPF) compared to the baseline pin-fin channel. In addition, compared to the baseline pin-fin channel, hybrid pin-fins and broken V-ribs configuration exhibits average heat transfer enhancement (Nu/Nu0) of 24.4%, an average friction factor increase of 7.2% and 22.5% improvement across the investigated Reynolds number range (10,000~50,000) based on computational results. The synergistic effects of hybrid pin-fin and micro V-rib structures demonstrate superior coolant flow control, offering a promising solution for next-generation turbine blade cooling designs. This work provides actionable insights for high-efficiency gas turbine thermal management. Full article

Pure hydrogen combustion is a critical pathway to achieving zero-carbon emissions for the gas turbine industry. Micro-mixing combustion is one of the most widely attractive hydrogen combustion methods in gas turbines. This study investigates pure hydrogen flame in a 3 × 3 matrix micro-mix combustor. The setup includes nine micro-mix injectors, each equipped with a bluff body and a hydrogen injection tube. The OH* chemiluminescence imaging and PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry) techniques were employed to visualize the single- and triple-flame morphology and flow field under various operating conditions. The results show that equivalence ratio, flow rate, and air injector exit angle can influence the flame structure and combustion characteristics, providing an insightful understanding of micro-mix pure hydrogen combustion. Full article

This paper proposes two compact, efficient, and lightweight heat exchangers based on triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMSs). Designed in an annular configuration, the heat exchangers meet the requirements of micro gas turbines for compactness. Two prototypes of Diamond and Gyroid modular TPMS heat exchangers were fabricated using selective laser melting (SLM) with stainless steel. The flow and heat transfer experimental results indicate that, within a Reynolds number range of 200 to 800, the effectiveness of both heat exchangers remained above 0.62, and the average Nusselt numbers of the Diamond and Gyroid structures reached 3.60 and 4.06 times that of the printed circuit heat exchanger (PCHE), respectively. Although both heat exchangers exhibited relatively high friction factors, their overall performance surpassed that of conventional heat exchangers. Additionally, performance comparisons with existing TPMS heat exchangers revealed that smaller lattice sizes contribute to improved volume-based power density, although they result in increased pressure loss. Simulation results indicated that the “merge–split” effect present in both structures enhances heat transfer between the fluid and the wall. Furthermore, the complex channels of the TPMS structures ensure that the fluid maintains strong turbulence intensity throughout the heat exchanger. This study demonstrates that stainless steel TPMS structures can serve as excellent candidates for applications in micro gas turbines. Full article

Environmental and social governance targets, as well as the global transition to cleaner renewable energy sources, push for advancements in hydrogen-based solutions for energy generators due to their high energy per unit mass (energy density) and lightweight nature. Hydrogen’s energy density and lightweight nature allow it to provide an extended range of uses without adding significant weight, potentially revolutionizing many applications. Moreover, a variety of sources, including renewable energy, can produce hydrogen, making it a potentially more sustainable option for energy storage despite its main limitations in production and transportation costs. In this framework we are proposing an innovative energy generator that might merge the benefits of batteries and hydrogen. The energy generator is based on a worldwide patented solution introduced by MIEEG s.r.l. regarding the shape of the chambers. This innovative solution can be used to design a 100% H2-fed microturbine with a high power/weight/volume ratio that works as a range extender of battery packs for a comprehensive, high-efficiency hybrid powertrain. In fact, it runs at 100,000 rpm and is designed to deliver about 100 kW in about 15 L of volume and 15 kg of weight (alternator excluded). The system is highly complex due to high firing temperatures, long life requirements, corrosion protection, mechanical and vibrational stresses, sealing, couplings, bearings, and the realization of tiny blades. This paper analyzes the main design challenges to face in the development of such complex generators, focusing on the hot gas path components, which are the most critical part of gas turbines. The contribution of additive manufacturing techniques, the adoption of special materials, and coatings have been evaluated for system improvement. Full article

In many countries located in Central–Eastern Europe, there is a need for heating in the autumn and winter seasons. In Poland, this has been met over the years, mainly through the development of centralized heating systems. The heat sources in such systems are based on fossil fuels like coal or gas. New regulations and climate concerns are forcing a transformation of existing systems towards green energy. The research presents two scenarios of such a change. The first focuses on maintaining centralized heat sources but increases the share of renewables in the heat supply. This can be realized by weather-independent, high-power sources such as biomass boilers and/or high-temperature heat pumps (HP) such as sewage heat pumps or ground source HP. The second scenario changes the location of the heat sources to more dispersed locations so that the unit power can be lower. In this case, renewable heat sources can be used at favorable locations in the system. Among the sources included in this scenario are solar panels, photovoltaic panels, micro wind turbines, and ground source heat pumps with local heat storage. These are characterized by low energy density. Their dispersion in the urban space can contribute to the desired energy generation, which would be impossible to achieve in the centralized scenario. Furthermore, the transmission losses are lower in this case, so lower heating medium temperatures are required. The existing district heating network can be used as a buffer or heat storage, contributing to stable system operation. The article presents a comparative analysis of these solutions. Full article

More distributed energy resources are being integrated into microgrid systems, making scheduling more complex and challenging. In order to achieve the utilization of renewable energy and peak load shifting on a microgrid system, an optimal scheduling model is established. Firstly, a microgrid operation model including a photovoltaic array, wind turbine, micro gas turbine, diesel generator, energy storage, and grid connection is constructed, considering the demand response and the uncertainty of wind and solar power. The modeling demand response is determined via a price–demand elasticity matrix, whereas the uncertainty of wind and solar power is established using Monte Carlo sampling and a K-means clustering algorithm. Secondly, a multi-objective function that includes operational and environmental treatment costs is constructed. To optimize the objective function, an Improved Dung Beetle Optimization algorithm (IDBO) is proposed. A tent mapping, non-dominated sorting, and reverse elite learning strategy is proposed to improve the Dung Beetle Optimization algorithm (DBO); therefore, the IDBO is developed. Finally, the proposed model and algorithm are validated through some simulation experiments. A benchmark function test proves that IDBO has a fast convergence speed and high accuracy. The microgrid system scheduled by IDBO has the lowest total cost, and its ability to achieve peak load shifting and improve the utilization of renewable energy is proved through tests involving different scenarios. The results show that compared with traditional optimal scheduling models and algorithms, this approach is more reliable and cost-effective. Full article

As global energy demands rise, there is an increasing need to transition from fossil fuels, which contribute to environmental harm and have limited reserves, to more sustainable and renewable energy sources. This shift is vital for both protecting the environment and ensuring long-term energy security. Renewable energy, such as wind power, plays a significant role in mitigating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions while also being environmentally harmonious. Wind energy, in particular, is gaining importance as a clean, renewable source of power, with wind turbines serving as key components of this transformation. The success of wind energy projects depends largely on proper site selection. Factors such as wind potential, the topographical structure, environmental sensitivity, and legal considerations must all be carefully analyzed to ensure maximum performance and minimal environmental impact. The site selection process is crucial in optimizing energy production while promoting sustainability. Effective micro-siting strategies, which focus on the specific placement of turbines within a site, are also essential for improving energy efficiency and minimizing environmental disruption. This study highlights the importance of careful site analysis to ensure the successful and sustainable implementation of wind energy projects. Full article

Currently, about a thousand micro gas turbine units of small and medium capacity are in operation in the Russian Federation, which are used as an autonomous power source at critical infrastructure facilities. During long-term operation, the component parts of the micro GTU may fail and require replacement or repair. The lack of spare parts and design documentation for their production makes it impossible to operate. As a way to solve the problem, the reverse engineering process can be used to produce components. One of the stages of reverse engineering is to determine the geometric parameters of the object. The fastest and most accurate way to obtain geometric characteristics in the reverse engineering process is 3D scanning. Three-dimensional scanning technology is used to obtain a solid 3D model of the prototype surface, based on which design documentation is subsequently developed. This article presents the results of a study of the influence of the parameters of the distance between polygonal grid points and the scanner exposure on the detailing of the outer surface and the geometric parameters of the resulting polygonal model. As a result of this study, the dependence of the final file size and the time spent on scanning and processing on the distance between the points of the polygonal grid and the model was established. Based on the dependence of the parameters, recommendations were obtained for choosing the distance between the points of the polygonal grid of laser 3D scanning. Also, after performing the stages of reverse engineering, the methodology for creating solid models and design documentation of parts of power equipment units using 3D scanning technology was improved. Full article