Beginning from October 2001, the Laboratory of Fluid Dynamics has researched the possibilities to design a high speed gas turbine to be used in connection with solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC).
Studies with Fuel Cell Technology combined with a Gas Turbine Cycle are promising very high thermal efficiencies compared to conventional Gas Turbine Cycles.
This research comprises the design of a single shaft radial high speed gas turbine, optimised especially for operation together with a fuel cell.
The gas turbine includes the high frequency generator and active magnetic bearings, which components have been used in high speed turbo compressor applications with good results. The gas turbine with oil-free bearings without contact to the rotating shaft has very long operating life, is environmentally friendly and needs practically no service.