The test program is funded by the Cooperative Research Network, The Electric Power Research Institute and the U.S. Department of Energy. The primary purpose of the test is to determine how reliable this type of generating equipment is and how much maintenance it takes to keep it running. The testing and evaluation will help answer key questions on microturbines-performance, durability, reliability and maintenance, said Wayne Hanson who is overseeing the demonstration project for Great River Energy. We already know that microturbines are reliable electric generators that produce few emissions and require very little maintenance. These tests will provide us with more detailed information.
Enthusiasts believe that microturbines can one day transform the utility industry.
We believe this technology shows promise and may well become a very important part of the services our customers will want, said Hanson. That is why we are taking a closer look into microturbines, so we have direct experience with this type of generating equipment, if the need arises. The microturbine Great River Energy is testing was manufactured by Capstone Turbine Corporation . Microturbines have evolved from much larger, widely used machines for industrial, automotive and aerospace applications. The current systems have only a couple moving parts and their basic construction differs principally in the type of bearing, either air or oil.