University of Applied Sciences Aachen, Germany

At present, the project „Betrieb einer Mikrogasturbine mit Pflanzenöl“ ( „Microturbine Operation on Vegetable Oil“) is performed at the University of Applied Sciences Aachen.
Subject of the project is to evaluate the possibility to operate a microturbine with vegetable oil and to investigate the effects on microturbines. The fuel will be pure rapeseed oil without any additives and the tests will be performed on a modified Capstone C30 liquid fuel use.

Microturbine Bio Fuel Test Rig

The main adaptations were made at the fuel system. From two fuel tanks of diesel and rapeseed oil, a mixture is produced. In a heating section both fuels are heated to a constant level and mixed with a stirrer. Tests started with running the turbine on 100% diesel and the amount of rapeseed oil will be increased by 10% steps to evaluate effects on turbine emissions and efficiency.

The project started in 2003 and is scheduled to run until June 2005. First tests started in July 2004. The project is performed by Dipl.-Ing. Y. Schmellenkamp and a cooperation exists with E-Quad Power Systems, a German Capstone distributor.