Pratt & Whitney Power Systems achieves successful testing of its ST5 microturbine

Pratt & Whitney Power Systems (PWPS) has announced the successful testing of its ST5 microturbine for distributed generation applications at Pratt & Whitney Canada's facilities at Longueuil, Canada. The 400 kW engine, which is available in both recuperated and simple-cycle versions, is operating as expected. The engine has no lubrication system and is the largest gas turbine ever built with air bearings. DTE Energy Technologies of Farmington Hills, Michigan, has ordered 100 engines as well as integral high-speed generators to be supplied by The Turbo Genset Company Ltd. of the United Kingdom.

"We are delighted that the ST5 has reached this important milestone ahead of schedule," said Ellen Smith, President of PWPS, "We believe this product has the ideal combination of attributes to allow Distributed Generation to realize its potential, and we are looking forward to commercial deliveries early next year."

Distributed generation brings the production of electricity closer to the user than any conventional large generative plants. It allows the overall use of electricity to grow without adding high voltage transmission lines and permits more effective use of the existing electric transmission and distribution infrastructure. In the coming years, distributed generation should provide a significant proportion of electric generating capacity additions to meet the growing needs for electricity.

P&WC, based in Longueuil, Quebec, is a world leader in aviation engines powering business and regional aircraft and helicopters. The company also offers advanced engines for industrial applications. P&WC's operations and service network span the globe. In 2000, sales were in excess of $2.4 billion Cdn. P&WC is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation, a high-technology company based in Hartford, Connecticut

Source: P&WC

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