Performance Evaluation and Operational Optimization of Micro Gas Turbine Systems for Engineering Applications

This study evaluated the performance and operational optimization of a recuperated 100 kW micro gas turbine intended for distributed generation applications. A steady-state thermodynamic model was developed and benchmarked at the design point against published manufacturer specifications for a representative 100 kW recuperated micro gas turbine. One- and two-dimensional performance maps were generated to identify high-efficiency operating regions and associated trends in specific fuel consumption. The model produced thermodynamically consistent design-point and off-design trends, with a thermal efficiency of approximately 31% and a specific fuel consumption of 0.27 kg/kWh at nominal conditions. Parametric analyses showed that turbine inlet temperature and recuperator effectiveness had the strongest positive influence on efficiency, whereas increasing ambient temperature reduced both efficiency and net power. Two-dimensional maps of efficiency as a function of compressor pressure ratio and turbine inlet temperature revealed a distinct high-efficiency ridge, with the minimum specific fuel consumption region closely aligned with this ridge. Load-specific optimization was then performed over the steady-state operating envelope, parameterized by the compressor pressure ratio and turbine inlet temperature, for three representative load cases. The selected operating points achieved efficiency gains of approximately 6.5%-11.5% and specific fuel consumption reductions of approximately 3.7%-6.9% relative to baseline operation. Within the prescribed steady-state model and feasibility bounds, the selected operating-state combinations were associated with improved predicted thermal efficiency and specific fuel consumption relative to the corresponding baseline cases. These results provide model-based screening guidance and require calibration and validation before use as physical operating or control setpoints.