Publication: Performance of single stage micro gas turbine (MGT) running on palm oil, diesel and biodiesel
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Date
2023-07-18
Authors
Abang Muhammad Syamirul bin Razak
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Abstract
Malaysia stands as a biodiverse nation that leads the global demand for incorporating renewable energy sources into gas turbine systems to ensure a sustainable and environmentally friendly ecosystem. Micro Gas Turbine (MGT)-based Combined Heat and Power (CHP) units offer versatile and reliable solutions for on-site applications, characterized by their compact structure, which renders them more susceptible to internal leaks compared to heavy-duty gas turbines. This thesis presents experimental investigations conducted on a singular micro gas turbine fuelled by palm oil, aiming to evaluate its performance. Experimental efforts were devoted to MGT preparation and trial processes. The employed fuel for the MGT comprised vegetable oil, classified as a low-grade renewable biofuel. Additionally, an experimental analysis was conducted to characterize the combustion process in the single-stage MGT. Observations encompassed biofuel atomization and combustion performance, ignition efficiency, and turbine performance during initial trial operations. Furthermore, simulations were performed to examine various parameters, such as temperature distribution, CO mole fraction, NOx pollutant mole fraction, and acoustic power levels. Eight distinct positions were considered along the combustion chamber for acoustic power level measurements. The results show the highest level of CO and NOx emissions for all three types of fuels, namely palm oil, diesel, and biodiesel, at a pressure of 0.7 bar, with CO = 220 ppm and NOx = 38 ppm. On the other hand, the lowest readings of CO and NOx emissions were found at a pressure of 0.2 bar, with CO = 518.33 ppm and NOx = 16 ppm. Moreover, several recommendations for future endeavours were proposed to enhance and capitalize on the performance of the single-stage MGT.