TABLE OF CONTENTS Microturbines have been appearing since 1996, and a variety of customer applications are emerging and growing. The products are at differing levels of maturity, which results in differences in performance and dependability among microturbines. Generally, the more mature the product, the better the performance and reliability.
When considering adding microturbines to existing or new facilities, some conditions must be considered and require attention during planning and implementation of the application. Since the sales distribution channels are currently in a state of development, it is important to understand the technical and warranty support systems as well as their terms and conditions.
It is paramount for customers to match their support systems to their needs. Customers with on-site technical staff will have less need for maintenance contracts, with an option to send technical staff to training provided by the manufacturer. However, if the customer has no technical staff or the staff is not available for maintaining microturbines, then the customer can consider signing a maintenance agreement. Frequently, third parties offer maintenance agreements with a time and materials option on an as-needed basis.
Customers are developing new ways to use microturbines. Because they are physically compact, electrically small-size, and relatively clean, they can be used in ways not previously considered for generation units. As customers continue to see new opportunities to apply microturbines, the market will expand, and the technology will grow in capability and product maturity.
Projects with multiple applications have the greatest potential to gain from...
