First price is low and spare parts and service are available most everywhere in the world. There are two disadvantages with reciprocating engines emissions and maintenance. Even though there is a continuous effort to improve reciprocating engines, new technologies such as microturbines are better in regards to both emissions and maintenance. However, they have their disadvantages in addition to a higher cost. They are better but not perfect.
Fuel cells hold many promises of becoming a clean and relatively efficient energy source.
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.