ALM TURBINE Technology Page

Projections
Low Emissions
Stable Efficiency

ALM's 50...500kW Engine Design

The ALM Turbine: A New Approach

ALM has developed a new approach to increasing efficiency and performance over conventional microturbines. Conventional methods of improving efficiency rely principally on using advanced materials to increase turbine inlet temperatures.

ALM has achieved a number of technological breakthroughs including the development of a novel combustion technology and combustor design, a novel blade cooling technology and the adoption of a novel semi-closed cycle.

To reduce costs and increase performance, ALM has also eliminated a number of expensive components including stator vanes between the two stages, nozzles between its combustor and turbine, fuel injectors and catalytic converters and devices.

Another ALM innovation is to control the power of a turbine by varying the density of the working fluid. Along with its semi-closed cycle, this approach allows the ALM engine to achieve high efficiencies over a broad load and speed range and fast response to sudden load and speed changes.

ALM's technology can be applied to both power generation/industrial applications as well as vehicular applications.

	Power Generation/Industrial Applications
	ALM's Vehicular Applications

POWER GENERATION AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

	High efficiencies (37.5%+) with real growth potential
	High part load efficiencies over a broad operating range) [efficiency graph]

	Reliable, long life and low maintenance design
	Elimination of the need for a fuel gas compressor for power applications ranging from 25kW 150kW.
	Less than 5ppm NOx without the use of a catalyst. [for an explanation, click here]
	Inexpensive to mass produce (no exotic material required)

	Ability to operate over a wide power range
	Multi-Fuel Capable
	Highly responsive to sudden load changes for optimal load following operations.

VEHICULAR

ALM has designed a viable automotive engine, addressing the problems of all prior automotive gas turbine programs. ALM automotive engine has the following characteristics:

	High efficiencies (37.5%+) over a broad load and speed range [efficiency graph]
	Excellent part load efficiency (i.e. 30%+ @ 15% power)

	Excellent Dynamics -- Highly responsive to sudden load and speed changes (ability to operate under transient conditions)
	High Torque

	No advanced materials required
	Reliable and low maintenance design
	Only a simple gearbox required, (no clutch)
	Meets Super Ultra Low Emission Requirements [for an explanation, click here]
	Inexpensive to mass produce

Less Mass and Volume than gasoline and diesel engines (twice the power to weight ratio)

	High Degree of Scalability
	Gas turbines do not require a new fuel infrastructure and will be easier to transition to than other alternative propulsion technologies.

Due to its direct drive capabilities and stable efficiencies at part load, the ALM engine is ideal for a parallel hybrid or "power assist" applications.

ALM's technology platform is highly conducive to further increases in efficiency over time.

[Click here for a graph illustrating ALM's flat efficiency curve,]