3.2) TROCATURB
The TROCATURB project is being developed in cooperation with Intecnial S.A. in order produce heat
exchangers using heat pipe technology for micro turbines. Micro turbines are small units, capable
to generate relatively large electric and thermal energy output. For instance, a commercially
available 60kW micro turbine has the size of a domestic refrigerator.
This device supplies electric energy, bringing autonomy to stores, shopping centers and small
industries. Apart from electric energy, thermal energy is also available in the form of hot exhaustion
gases. Micro turbine heat exchangers for water heating are already commercially available. The hot
water can be used for room heating in cold climate. In warm climate, the heat is used as driving power
for absorption refrigeration cycles. This project focuses on designing micro turbine heat exchangers
using heat pipe technologies. Although it is a stronger product of easier cleaning, it has the extra
advantage of bringing Brazilian industry to the top of compact energy generation technology. The first
prototype produced is being tested in a PETROBRAS Research Facility. The objective it is intended to
build heat recovery systems for micro turbines on board of PETROBRAS platforms.
