Micro turbines

Micro turbines are compact, high -efficiency energy generation systems designed to provide reliable onsite electricity, heating, and even cooling across a wide range of applications. These small-scale gas turbines typically produce between 40 kilowatts (kW) and 900 kW of power, making them ideally suited for distributed generation in commercial, industrial, institutional, and remote settings. In terms of physical size, most micro turbine units roughly the size of large household appliances, yet they pack a sophisticated array of components including a compressor, combustor, turbine, generator, recuperator and control electronics.

One of the most compelling features of micro turbines is their fuel flexibility. These systems can run on a wide range of fuels including natural gas, diesel, biogas from landfills or wastewater treatment plants, propane, kerosene, hydrogen, and even flare gas from oil and gas operations. This adaptability allows them do be deployed in diverse environments -from urban hotels to remote oilfields-where fuel availability, emission regulations, or grid limitations make conventional power solutions impractical or too costly.

From an efficiency standpoint, micro turbines offer significant advantages over traditional internal combustion engines, especially when used in Combined Heat and Power (CHP) or cogeneration applications. The most dramatic performance gains occur in CHP setups, where both electricity and usable thermal energy are captured. In these configurations, overall systems efficiency can reach 75-90%, drastically reducing fuel waste and operational costs.

Environmental performance is another key strength. Micro turbines produce extremely low emissions of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons. This makes them especially attractive in areas with tight emission controls, and in industries where sustainability metrics are closely monitored. Moreover, the ability to operate on renewable fuels like biogas or hydrogen positions micro turbines as a valuable tool for carbon reduction and transition to greener energy systems.