Description and evaluation of the new ORC process

The first T100 micro gasturbine entered operation at Thyssengas GmbH in Duisburg/Germany in April 2001. This plant, from Turbec AB of Malmo/Sweden, delivers a net electrical output of 100 kW and a thermal output of 167 kW, at heating water flow and return temperatures of 70/50°C. Continuous operation was tested on a test bed for one year from the beginning of June 2001. Energy balances, emission and immission behaviour and electricity quality were examined. The cost-effectiveness of the system was also determined. Numerous faults occurred in the system during the first 3,000 hours of operation. Operational performance improved after several modifications were made by the manufacturer and the plant ran faultlessly for the next 4,500 hours. Further operation should now establish whether the components used and improvements carried out reach the desired useful life. There is still room for improvement in terms of investment costs and performance data as series production increases and the system is refined.