Wood Fired Microturbine

 
 

 
This experimental microturbine runs on regular firewood.

 
We began experimenting with a rectangular "box magazine" type fuel silo. We wanted the wood to gravity feed to the grate in an orderly fashion just like bullets in a magazine.
 

    
Here we are testing the steel version of the fuel silo. The wood feeds with minimal sticking and hang-ups.

  
Our first test with a cyclone to eliminate char emissions.

  
First attempted run-up. All controls are fully manual and are a bit of a handful.

 
This version would not self sustain due to excessive pressure drop in the cyclone and associated piping.

    
 First self sustaining run-up. With the external cyclone removed and the piping simplified. Still fully manual control.

   
 First run-up with a Power Turbine. The power turbine in this case only produces compressed air.

  
 This is our prototype pneumatic engine control. It is fully automatic and works a trick!

   
Sept 29 2006 this is the first time we generated electrical power. The fuel was split hardwood. this is the machine that was demonstrated on The Discovery Channel in 2008.
We have finished with this prototype for now. We are now focusing on our J07 gas generator and PU37 Power turbine and gearbox.

The following companies helped make this project possible:
 
 Arizona Turbo and Tractor Supply




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