EU - O-BIO-MGT - Innovative small scale polygeneration system combining biomass and natural gas in a micro gas turbine

Small scale system (BIO_MGT) based on an EU-manufactured MGT combining solid biomass and natural gas combustion in an innovative way. The BIO_MGT system - BIO_MGT matches an externally fired cycle with an open MGT (100 kWe) cycle. Hot flue gases generated by the bio-furnace flow into a high temperature heat exchanger, which preheats the air from the compressor. 40-60 % of the total energy input is given by solid biomass: the remaining is provided by CH4 internal combustion. The flue gas stream at the MGT outlet is mixed with the hot flow from the bio-furnace: the mixed gases supply the HE hot side. The plant than delivers power, heat and (through an absorption chiller) cold to the end-user. Justification for the combined use of solid biomass and CH4 - Cofiring is essential to maintain high performances by operating the GT with a flow which is "the same" as standard MGT, without modification of rotor components. The share of CH4 internal combustion will allow for good regulation (freq. response) and for maintaining the max. cycle temperatures and high efficiency, limiting the HE max temperature. Solid biomass combustion is preferred to gasification/pyrolysis for the high reliability of the conversion process. Methodology - The project's goal will be obtained by modifying (minor modifications) a conventional natural gas MGT and a biomass furnace available on the market, aiming at high energy conversion efficiency, high reliability, small plant scale and low emissions. The system will be designed through an initial thermodynamic and technical analysis. The original MGT combustion chamber will be modified to admit a wide regulation range. The BIO_MGT polygeneration plant will be driven by the end-user demand, and operated during two years.