Advancements in Chemical Engineering: Size Reduction in Micro Gas Turbines Using Silicon Carbide

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Researchers at the West London Institute of Technology have made significant strides in the field of chemical engineering, specifically in the area of micro gas turbines. A new study published in the journal Gases has identified the potential for size reduction in these turbines by substituting conventional silicon switches with silicon carbide switches. This breakthrough promises lower switching losses, less heat, and simpler cooling arrangements, ultimately resulting in increased power density and reduced space occupation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that a micro gas turbine inverter built with silicon carbide occupies about one fifth less space and delivers more than a quarter higher power density than its silicon counterpart.
  • The use of silicon carbide switches allows for stronger electric fields, reliable operation at higher temperatures, and lower switching losses.
  • The cooling section of the converter can be slimmed down, resulting in a smaller overall converter size.
  • The researchers employed a simple volumetric model to analyze the data, using manufacturer specifications for two converter modules and operating data for a commercial 100 kW micro gas turbine.
  • The study demonstrated the potential for size reduction in micro gas turbines by leveraging the benefits of silicon carbide switches.

Statistics:

  • The micro gas turbine inverter built with silicon carbide occupies about 20% less space compared to its silicon counterpart.
  • The silicon carbide inverter delivers over 25% higher power density than the silicon-based inverter.
  • The study used two data sets to feed the model: manufacturer specifications for two converter modules and operating data for a commercial 100 kW micro gas turbine.
  • The cooling section of the converter can be slimmed down by approximately 20% using silicon carbide switches.

Sources:

  • Size Reduction in Micro Gas Turbines Using Silicon Carbide. Gases, 2025, 5(3): 14. doi:https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.3390/gases5030014
  • NewsRx. Mechanical Engineering Department Researcher Advances Knowledge in Chemical Engineering (Size Reduction in Micro Gas Turbines Using Silicon Carbide). Journal of Engineering. October 13, 2025; p 1757.