Micro gas turbine
Externally fired, for power and heat
[ In brief ]
A micro gas turbine is a small gas turbine that generates power via a generator. The heat produced in the process is used as useful heat. Our micro gas turbine is externally fired: combustion takes place outside the turbine, and the turbine is driven by hot, clean air.
[ How it works ]
Combustion outside the turbine
In a conventional micro gas turbine, the fuel burns in the combustion chamber of the turbine and the hot exhaust gas flows directly through the turbine wheel. In our externally fired micro gas turbine, combustion takes place outside the turbine. In the Pyro-ClinX system, the pyrolysis gas oxidises flamelessly in the FLOX burner. In ClinX Heat, the hot gas comes from an industrial process.
› The compressor draws in ambient air and compresses it
› In the high-temperature heat exchanger, the compressed air absorbs the heat of the hot gas
› The hot air expands in the turbine and drives the generator
› The remaining heat is extracted as useful heat
Hot gas and working air stay separate, only the heat is transferred. The turbine never comes into contact with pyrolysis gas or process exhaust gas, because it is externally fired.
[ In operation ]
Why the turbine lasts
Only hot, clean air flows through the turbine. This protects it in operation:
› No contact with pyrolysis gas or process exhaust gas, because the turbine is externally fired
› Air bearings without lubricating oil or oil changes
› Heat from pyrolysis gas or from high-temperature waste heat can be used
› Power and heat from one plant, fully automatic in continuous operation
[ In use ]
The micro gas turbine runs on pyrolysis gas from woody residues in the Pyro-ClinX system and on industrial waste heat in ClinX Heat.
[ Development ]
Turbine technology from our own development
Externally fired gas turbine
The externally fired gas turbine is the basis of ClinX technology. We have been developing it further since 2012, for heat from pyrolysis gas, waste heat and other sources.
Oil-free air bearings
For the very high speeds, we develop air bearings and build our own test rigs for them. They make the turbine in the Pyro-ClinX system oil-free.
Micro turbine generators
Micro turbine generators in the 35 kW class are being developed within the group of companies. Turbines from 7 to 65 kW and complete test rigs are in operation at customers in Asia.
To the 35 kW class project
To the micro turbines in Asia project
Hydrogen in micro gas turbines
In the funded project H2mGT, the combustion of hydrogen in micro gas turbines was investigated and validated in a real-world test.
Ceramics and additive manufacturing
Joint projects with industry and research produced ceramic and additively manufactured components for micro gas turbines.
Proven in continuous operation
Our own test and demonstration plant in Cottbus has reached around 30,000 operating hours. The experience gained there is built into the Pyro-ClinX system today.
[ FAQ ]
Frequently asked questions about the micro gas turbine
01 What is a micro gas turbine?
A micro gas turbine is a small gas turbine. Compressor, turbine and generator sit on one fast-rotating shaft. It generates power, and the heat produced can be used for processes, buildings or heating networks.
02 What does externally fired mean?
In an externally fired micro gas turbine (EFGT, externally fired gas turbine), combustion takes place outside the turbine. A high-temperature heat exchanger transfers the heat of the hot gas to compressed, clean air, which drives the turbine. Hot gas and working air stay separate, so the turbine never comes into contact with pyrolysis gas or process exhaust gas.
03 How does it differ from a conventional micro gas turbine?
In a conventional micro gas turbine, natural gas or biogas burns in the combustion chamber of the turbine, and the combustion gas flows through the turbine wheel. This requires a cleanly conditioned fuel. The externally fired turbine only uses the heat. This means that pyrolysis gas from woody residues and industrial waste heat can also serve as a source.
04 Which heat sources are suitable?
In the Pyro-ClinX system, pyrolysis gas from woody residues supplies the heat. It oxidises flamelessly in the FLOX burner. ClinX Heat uses high-temperature waste heat from industrial processes at 900 to 1,000 °C. We assess other sources case by case.
05 Why does the turbine not need oil?
The shaft runs in air bearings and floats on a thin film of air during operation. Lubricating oil, oil changes and oil cooling are not needed. The air bearings are developed within the group of companies and tested on our own test rigs.
06 What output does the micro gas turbine deliver?
In the Pyro-ClinX system and in ClinX Heat, it generates 150 kW of electrical power gross. After deducting the plant’s own consumption, 130 kW net remain. In addition, there is up to 450 kW of heat. Both plants are designed for 8,000 operating hours per year.
07 Who develops the turbine?
The externally fired micro gas turbine has been developed further in Germany since 2012 within the pyropower group of companies, drawing on turbine expertise from more than 100 energy projects. Development projects for turbines and energy technology are handled by our subsidiary ClinX Energy Systems GmbH. The technology received the Innovation Award Berlin Brandenburg.
08 How does a project work?
In a free initial consultation, we clarify your requirements, fuel and site. In the pre-project phase, we assess technology and economic viability with your figures. This is followed by planning, construction and commissioning.
info@pyro-power.com 
+49 355 866 870 82 
pyropower GmbH