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engines usually require major service every 5000–10,000 hr. Typically, microturbine generators are implemented in ar- rays, linking several units together. Other generators—new and old—require expensive external switchgear and other devices to accomplish this level of functionality. Up to 20 Capstone MicroTurbines can be multipacked (arrayed) with no external hardware other than computer cables. (An un- limited number of units can be arrayed using a utility grid connection, but, if the power grid blacks out, so does the array communication right when you would need it the most.) Monitoring, control, dispatching, diagnostics, and other adjustments to all systems in the array are made through the control panel on a single designated master unit, or via a single modem or TCP/IP Internet connection. Should one unit in the array go offline, or be taken down for maintenance, the remaining machines automatically pick up the lost load. In this way, an array can achieve ex- tremely high reliability and availability, responding instan- taneously to a facility’s power needs as they fluctuate. A low-cost Capstone PowerServer option is also available that is designed to network together as many as 100 grid-inde- pendent units. One of the longest running applications of a Capstone MicroTurbine operates at an oilfield in Consort, Alberta, Canada. The unit is fed a constant stream of 2% sour gas at a production site owned by Shell and has operated virtually nonstop for three years, surpassing 25,000 hours of full-load, round-the-clock operation. The only required maintenance has been air filter changes and a few simple injector cleanings. In contrast, a traditional reciprocating engine generator operating under similar conditions would most likely have required at least four major overhauls and countless “minor” service intervals during the same time period. Operation, Interconnection, and Safety For onsite generators to routinely generate power when grid demand and utility rates peak, they must be interconnected with the utility grid. Microturbines are designed to operate in parallel with or independently of the utility power grid. The three-phase power output from the generator is syn- chronized with the electricity provided via the grid to an energized circuit. The current, frequency, and voltage are sampled at a rate of 15,000 times per second to ensure clean power and protection for sensitive equipment, and also to ensure that its output can have no adverse effect on power grid operation. Intended to interconnect with utility sys- tems throughout the world, Underwriters Laboratory has certified Capstone MicroTurbines to its UL1741 grid interconnectivity safety standard. The systems have also been tested and approved by the states of New York and California—the only states that have currently mandated statewide standards—for direct-to-grid interconnection. These certifications ensure to all parties—end user facili- ties, utility grid operators, and other facilities on that particular grid circuit—that these interconnected systems are proven safe and can have no adverse effects. To date, Capstone MicroTurbines are the only generating products of their kind that meet these standards. No external syn- chronizing equipment or protective relaying is required— everything is built into the microturbine. The Capstone systems are also UL listed to the 2200 generator safety standard, and are compliant with Europe’s CE, Canada’s CSA, and a number of other international quality and safety standards. CONCLUSION Distributed generation technologies, and microturbines in particular, offer a new perspective on clean, efficient power generation and distribution. The benefits of microturbine tech- nology translate into increased functionality that rapidly pays for itself before becoming a source of cost containment. Gen- erating energy with half the fuel input required by conven- tional power and heat generation sources—or creating energy from renewable waste sources—benefit both the environment and the bottom line. REFERENCES 1. California Air Resources Board (CARB). See http://www.arb.ca.gov/ homepage.htm. 2. “CARB Certifies Diesel Capstone MicroTurbine for Commercial Hy- brid Electric Vehicles”; press release dated March 21, 2001; Capstone Turbine Corporation: Chatsworth, CA; available online at http:// microturbine.com/whatsNew/pressrelease.asp?article=66 (accessed June 2002). 3. Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA). See http://www.cera.com. 4. “SCAQMD OKs $6.2M to Buy, Install Capstone MicroTurbines”; press release dated November 19, 2001; Capstone Turbine Corporation: Chatsworth, CA; available online at http://microturbine.com/whatsNew/ pressrelease.asp?article=147 (accessed June 2002). 5. Emissions of Greenhouse Gases in the United States, 2000; DOE/EIA- 0573(2000); Energy Information Administration, Office of Integrated Analysis and Forecasting, U.S. Department of Energy: Washington, DC, November 2001; available online at http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/1605/ ggrpt/pdf/057300.pdf (accessed June 2002). 6. Energy Information Administration. See http://www.eia.doe.gov. 7. “Capstone30 at Bosbad Putten: Longest running unit in Europe!”; press release dated October 19, 2001; Geveke Power Systems: Papendrecht, The Netherlands; available online at http://www.microturbine.nl (ac- cessed June 2002). About the Author Dr. Ake Almgren is president and chief executive officer of Capstone Turbine Corporation, Chatsworth, CA, a developer of microturbine power generation technology. Dr. Almgren is a leading advocate of clean, efficient distributed generation. Inquiries may be addressed to info@microturbine.com. January 2003 EM 35PDF Image | Microturbine Tech Alt Power Solution
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