ABSTRACT

The development of clean, reliable distributed electric generation technologies, such as microturbines and fuel cells, makes it possible to move electric generation closer to the end user and to rethink the structure of the electric utility. Classical economies of scale no longer strongly favor large, central generating plants, and fears of "stranded investment" make utilities reluctant to invest in large generating plants.

Moving generating capacity closer to the load enables postponement of costly distribution substation and feeder reinforcement, and the use of microturbines with capacities as small as tens of kilowatts enables distribution capacity to grow in step with load, instead of in blocks of tens of megawatts in anticipation of projected load growth which may take many years to eventuate. Another concern is the possibility of stranded distribution assets. The use of distributed generation for peak shaving can defer the need for utility generation capacity needed to meet seasonal electric load peaks, and represents a mirror image of DSM. It can also avoid the need to build distribution infrastructure where it does not presently exist. Microturbines with NOx emissions lower than those of the central plants whose generation they displace can generate NOx emission credits, which can be used by the utility or sold.

From the customer's point of view, distributed generation can offer increased reliability and improved power quality. Leveling of natural gas and purchased electricity usage through the year may allow the customer the benefit of lower rates from the utility. In this presentation, Dr. Zwillenberg will discuss: * What are microturbines? * What are their characteristics? * Who is developing them? * Design considerations that drive different developers to similar solutions * How can they be applied? * Modeling and economics * Comparison with other distributed generation technologies

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Dr. Zwillenberg has a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from Cooper Union and Master's and Ph.D. degrees in Aerospace and Mechanical Sciences from Princeton University. Prior to joining PSE&G he performed combustion research at United Technologies Research Center, worked in air pollution control at the State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection and taught Mechanical Engineering at Drexel University. At PSE&G he has managed research projects in power plant diagnostics, alternative fuels, NOx reduction through combustion modification, cogeneration and district heating, powerplant repowering and gas turbine performance improvement by inlet air cooling and steam injection. He served on the PSE&G Advanced Cycles Team which performed a detailed 2-year study of advanced generation options including IGCC (Integrated Gasifier Combined Cycle), PFBC (Pressurized Fluidized Bed Combustor) and advanced gas turbine cycles.

He is currently a Senior Consultant in the Emerging Technologies and Transfer group which identifies emerging technologies and facilitates the implementation of technological solutions to PSE&G operating problems. He has recently been evaluating the state of development of microturbines and other distributed generation technologies, and their potential impact on utilities.