Turbine technology of our own development
[ In brief ]
A micro gas turbine is a small gas turbine with up to 250 kW of electrical output that generates power via a generator. The heat produced is used as useful heat. Our micro gas turbine is externally fired: combustion takes place outside the turbine, and it is driven by hot, clean air.
[ Operating principle ]
How a micro gas turbine works
Every micro gas turbine follows the same four steps. Compressor, turbine and generator sit on a common shaft.
Compression
The compressor draws in ambient air and compresses it.
Heating
The compressed air is strongly heated. How this happens is the decisive difference.
Expansion
The hot air expands in the turbine and turns the turbine wheel.
Generating power
The generator on the same shaft converts the rotation into power.
[ The difference in step 2 ]
Conventionally fired
Fuel burns directly in the air flow
The hot exhaust gas flows through the turbine. That is why it needs very clean fuel, usually natural gas.
Externally fired, the way our turbines work
A heat exchanger heats the air from outside
Only hot, clean air flows through the turbine. The heat can come from pyrolysis gas, biomass or hot industrial waste heat.
[ In operation ]
Built for continuous operation
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 high-temperature waste heat can be used › Power and heat from one plant, fully automatic in continuous operation
[ References ]
Projects with our micro gas turbines
In the Pyro-ClinX and in ClinX Heat, our externally fired micro gas turbine generates the power. These projects show what that looks like in practice.
ClinX Heat: additional power generation at a pyrolysis plant in Darmstadt
With ClinX Heat, the high-temperature energy from an existing carbonisation plant is used for additional power generation.
Biochar production at an industrial site in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
Three Pyro-ClinX 150 plants generate power, heat and biochar from industrial waste wood at an industrial site in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
Our own test and demonstration plant in Cottbus
Our own ClinX plant in Cottbus has reached around 30,000 operating hours, as a test platform and showcase for customers and partners.
[ ClinX Energy Systems ]
Developed within our own group of companies
Our subsidiary ClinX Energy Systems GmbH continues to develop the micro gas turbine, within the group of companies since 2012. It also carries out development projects for customers: design, engineering and testing for energy technology, from feasibility to the test bench.
[ FAQ ]
Frequently asked questions about turbine technology
01 What is a micro gas turbine?
A micro gas turbine is a small gas turbine with up to 250 kW of electrical output. Compressor, turbine and generator sit on a 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 remain separate, so the turbine never comes into contact with pyrolysis gas or process exhaust gas.
03 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 eliminated. The air bearings are developed within the group of companies and tested on our own test benches.
04 Which heat sources are suitable?
In the Pyro-ClinX system, pyrolysis gas from woody residues supplies the heat; it is oxidised flamelessly in the FLOX burner. ClinX Heat uses high-temperature waste heat from industrial processes at 900 to 1,000 °C. We check other sources case by case.
05 What does pyropower develop itself?
The externally fired micro gas turbine, the pyrolysis in the Pyro-ClinX system and components such as burners, air bearings and heat exchangers. In addition, our own test benches and measuring equipment.
06 Since when has the micro gas turbine been developed?
The externally fired micro gas turbine has been developed further within the group of companies since 2012. The technology has received the Berlin Brandenburg Innovation Award.
07 Where is testing done?
On our own test benches and in our test and demonstration plant in Cottbus. It has reached around 30,000 operating hours.
08 Can I commission my own development project?
Our subsidiary ClinX Energy Systems GmbH takes on development projects for customers, from feasibility to the test bench. You will find contact details and services at clinx-energy-systems.com.
info@pyro-power.com 
+49 355 866 870 82 
pyropower GmbH