UC Irvine

A comprehensive field data collection campaign is reported on in which operational data are being obtained from microturbine generators located in the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD). The data obtained are archived in a SQL database, which provides the ability to look at various performance aspects as a function of many parameters interactively on the Internet. An overview of the program is provided along with details regarding the data collection and archiving strategies. To provide a framework relative to optimal operation of these systems in the region, economics associated with various operational schedules as a function of various rate structures in Southern California are provided. In addition to quantitative operational characteristics and performance results, some general end-user impressions of the technology and of the overall installation process are also documented. Details from three representative sites are presented.