Micro Gas Turbine Generators
Abstract
MIT has developed the technology for micro-gas turbine generators. These are millimeter- to centimeter-size heat engines fabricated with semiconductor industry micromachining techniques (MEMS), ultimately capable of producing 10-100 W of power in less than a cubic centimeter. Applications include compact power sources offering energy and power densities an order of magnitude better than current battery technology; propulsion for small air vehicles; and a variety of microblowers, compressors, and heat pumps. The work was divided into 8 microscale disciplinary areas: (1) engine systems design, (2) turbomachinery fluid dynamics, (3) combustion, (4) structures, (5) bearings, (6) electromechanics, (7) silicon fabrication technology, and (8) microfabrication of high temperature materials and structures. Advances in the disciplinary technologies enabled the design and construction of a proof-of-principle 'demo engine'. This 20 mm square by 4 mm thick simple cycle gas turbine is designed to produce about 11 grams of thrust or 17 watts of shaft power. The design turbine inlet temperature is 1600 K and the rotational speed is 1.2M rpm. At the conclusion of this MURI, the first engines had been built and were just beginning testing. A companion microturbogenerator is a few months behind the gas turbine.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA385644
Entities
People
- A. H. Epstein
- J. H. Lang
- K. S. Breuer
- Michelle Schmidt
- S. D. Senturia
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology