Mini- and micro-gas turbines for combined heat and power

The use of mainframe gas turbines for power generation has increased in recent years and is likely to continue to increase. The proportion of power generation using combined heat and power is also growing mainly due to efficiency improvements and environmental benefits. Mini- and micro-turbines offer a number of potential advantages compared to other technologies for small-scale power generation, particularly for distributed power generation, although there are some technical and non-technical barriers to the implementation of the technology. There is an uncertainty about their market potential but they could be used for power generation in the industrial, commercial and residential sectors. The market potential could increase substantially if the cost, efficiency, durability, reliability, and environmental emissions of the existing designs are improved. (C) 2002 European Communities. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.