The dynamics of microturbines lubricated using unconventional agents

he paper presents the research results of the microturbines dynamics with power of a few to several hundred KW. They are combined heat and power (CHP) units (generating heat and electricity) for houses and for municipalities in the form of Autonomous Energy Regions (ARE). These are key technologies for energy sector with respect to the distributed generation and for small-scale eco-power engineering. The following examples will refer only to the several selected research projects coordinated by the IMP PAN (Institute of Fluid- Flow Machinery of the Polish Academy of Sciences) in Gdansk. The paper will focus on the dynamics of rotors and bearings lubricated by means of low boiling agents, i.e., by means of turbine working medium. Analysis of hydrodynamic instability phenomena, including the development of oil whirl and oil whip has also been carried out.