Dynamic Performance and Control Strategies of Micro Gas Turbines: State-of-the-Art Review, Methods, and Technologies

Abstract

The stringent energy and climate change regulations have resulted in a growing share of non-dispatchable renewable energy sources (i.e., solar and wind) in the global energy mix. This has influenced the use of fast and reliable technologies, such as micro gas turbines (MGT). The intermittency of variable renewable energy sources requires cycling, rapid load change and frequent start-ups and shutdowns of MGT. A transient phenomenon is faced during the start-up, shutdown, and load change operations. These transients may lead to several aero thermal stresses in the hot components of the gas turbines. To this end, there is a probability that the gas turbines could end up with reduced performance and safety. Therefore, the necessity for developing a critical review on dynamic performance studies of MGT becomes indispensable, to counter such adverse consequences. Variety of conventional, optimized, and artificial intelligence (AI)-based controllers adopted in the previous studies have been critically compared in the context of identification of robust controller for future applications. Apart from simple recuperated MGT cycle, the review encompassed the dynamics and control strategies of several innovative MGT cycles such as solar-based MGT, solid oxide fuel cell-based hybrid MGT, and micro humid air turbines. Digging the plethora of literature, revealed that there is a scarcity of literature pertinent to the transient performance of MGTs working on hydrogen and other alternative fuels (i.e., methanol, ammonia, syngas, and biomethane). Additionally, the paper reviews the challenges and associated solutions of alternative fuels in MGTs. The research gaps and recommendations highlighted in the present review will serve the future researchers and industry experts in assuring a reliable and safe MGT operation during transient conditions.