Howden 1000 kW Turbogenerator

BASE impulse turbine. Credit: Howden.

Howden is coming out with a new single-stage impulse turbine capable of up to 1000 kW of power generation. The machine, titled BASE, is a turbine designed as a generator drive for the 75-1000 kW power range. Its primary use case is in small Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants, in decentralized solar facilities, as well as for waste-heat recovery. For example, for use in bottoming cycles attached to gas engines and biogas engines, or for utilization of residual process steam.

The BASE has an inlet pressure of up to 40 bar(a) or 580 psi, with an inlet temperature for dry saturated steam up to 400°c (750°f). The generator can run in either 50 Hz or 60 Hz modes. The backpressure for the unit is up to 7bar(a) or 160 psi or vacuum. The dimensions of the unit are 2.5 m (8.2 ft) length, 1.5 m (4.9 ft) width, and 2 m (6.5 ft) height.

The BASE can either be a backpressure or condensing type. It has an oil unit integrated in the base frame. It is a small and compact design, with only minimal foundational work required. It showcases quick-start technology, which does not require preheating of the turbine.