However there is still a long way to go. The challenge of establishing a methane or even more a hydrogen infrastructure may be an even bigger challenge. When Capstone introduced its Model 330 MicroTurbine it represented the commercial introduction of a new technology, microturbines. The core of the microturbine is the high speed compressor-turbine section, which rotates very fast 96,000 rpm in the Capstone Model 330. On the same shaft is generally a high speed generator using permanent magnets.
Air bearings enable the high speed with only air cooling and a long life almost maintenance free.
The high speed generator delivers a high frequency power, in Capstone s case 1600 Hz. As illustrated below the Capstone MicroTurbine has one of the best emission performance of any fossil fuel combustion system. Regarding maintenance there are some very strong indications that the required maintenance is radically less. Microturbines are also smaller, lighter, and operate with no vibration and less noise. All of those features help.