Abstract: A microturbine power generation system includes an electrical generator, a turbine and a compressor intermediate the generator and the turbine. The turbine, compressor and electrical generator are secured together by a tieshaft. The tieshaft is prestressed such that faces of the turbine, electrical generator and compressor maintain contact during high-speed, high-temperature operation of the system.

Abstract: A microturbine power generating system includes a combustor and a gas compressor that provides a flow of natural gas to a combustor. The flow of natural gas is regulated by varying the speed of the gas compressor to maintain gas compressor discharge pressure at a set point. The system further includes a turbine and an electrical generator that is driven by the turbine during a run mode of operation. A rectifier and a main inverter convert an output of the electrical generator into fixed frequency ac power during the run mode. A secondary inverter operates an electric motor of the gas compressor at the variables speeds during the run mode. During a startup mode, however, the main inverter operates the gas compressor motor, and the secondary inverter operates the electrical generator as a starter motor.

Abstract: A microturbine power generating system includes a battery source for providing startup power. Dc power provided by the battery source is converted to three-phase ac power, and the three-phase ac power is supplied to stator windings of an electrical generator of the system. The three-phase ac power causes the electrical generator to operate as a starter motor. An up chopper may be used to reduce the required voltage of the battery source. A down chopper may be used to charge the battery source during normal operation of the microturbine power generating system. The down chopper can allow the battery source to supply backup power in the event the electrical generator experiences a failure.

Abstract: A microturbine power generation system includes a turbine having a diffuser. A plurality of openings are located in the diffuser. When an exhaust stream is leaving the turbine, ambient air is drawn through the openings and into the turbine exhaust stream. The ambient air lowers the temperature of the turbine exhaust stream.