Session: 09-03 Gas Turbine Power Plant

Paper Number: 82146

82146 - Root Cause Analysis of the Lack of Market Success of Micro Gas Turbine Systems 

Micro gas turbine systems were introduced to the market at the dawn of the twentieth century, with the selling arguments of small footprint, low gaseous (NOx) and acoustic emissions, low maintenance and versatility for high-grade Combined Heat and Power applications. Unfortunately, the technology has enjoyed very limited market success and, currently, its market share for decentralized applications is marginal. Fierce competition by reciprocating internal combustion engines (ICEs), an established technology, has always been identified as the main barrier hindering the market deployment of micro gas turbines. 

In this landscape, this work presents a root cause analysis that aims to identify the causes of this weak market penetration of mGTs. It aims to solve a block of the logic tree that represents the end-user choice to adopt one or the other technology. A single Key Performance Indicator is used to combine technical, economic, social, and political factors. This KPI is a penalty factor based on the simple payback period and represents an original approach enabling the identification of the potential markets for this technology. The indicator is computed for the range of electrical power output in which microturbines compete. Finally, a rough estimation of the targeted niche is provided. This methodology confirms the lack of competitiveness of microturbines in some targeted segments and it offers some suggestions for potential markets, including the requirements in product innovation needed to enter these segments.

Presenting Author: Giuseppe Tilocca Universidad de Sevilla

Presenting Author Biography: Giuseppe Tilocca, comes from Sardinia (Italy). He currently works as an Early Stage Researcher at the University of Seville where is also a candidate for a PhD. His work, which is part of the NextMGT project funded by the MCSA scheme of H2020, involves investigating the commercialization and development of the micro gas turbine market in Europe. His academic background is Aerospace Engineering (MSc at Polytechnic of Turin) and Thermal Power (MSc at Cranfield University). After his studies, he worked for several years as a Turbomachinery Design Engineer for a consultancy company in London. Moreover, he co-founded and worked almost two years as CTO for a London fintech startup that managed investments in arts as a means to fund emerging artists.

Authors:

Giuseppe Tilocca Universidad de Sevilla
David Sanchez Universidad de Sevilla
Miguel Torres Universidad de Sevilla