Analysis of the prospects of microturbine MEMS devices as high-power supply sources

The relevance of this research is driven by the growing need to create compact, high-energy power sources for autonomous systems, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), where traditional lithium-ion batteries exhibit limitations in specific energy capacity. A promising direction is the development of microturbine generators based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), capable of converting the chemical energy of fuel into electrical energy with high efficiency. PURPOSE: To fill the gap in the domestic literature on microturbine technologies, systematize global experience, and identify prospects for the development of high-energy MEMS power supplies in the Russian Federation. To analyze the designs, materials, manufacturing technologies, and thermodynamic characteristics of microturbines. METHODS. This study utilizes methods of system analysis of scientific and technical literature, a comparative evaluation of design solutions, and a thermodynamic calculation based on the Brayton cycle and fundamental laws of thermodynamics. RESULTS. A comprehensive review of key technological solutions in the field of microturbines, including the use of gas bearings, heat-resistant materials (silicon carbide), micromachining methods, and design features for the microscale. An evaluation of the output power of a microturbine generator with a fuel consumption of ~5.84 ∙ 10⁻⁹ m³/s showed that this machine is capable of producing approximately 100 W. Complex technological aspects during the development process included ensuring stability at ultra-high speeds, microcombustion control, thermal conditions, and component integration. CONCLUSION. MEMS-based microturbine technologies offer significant potential for creating power sources with a specific energy density 10-20 times higher than the best batteries. Despite existing technological barriers, further research in optimizing thermodynamic cycles, developing new materials, and improving micromachining methods offers prospects for developing domestically produced, highly efficient power systems for UAVs and other autonomous systems, which is key to strengthening technological sovereignty.

1. Stanimirović Z., Stanimirović I. Advanced MEMS Technologies //Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS)-Innovation, Manufacturing Techniques and Applications: Innovation, Manufacturing Techniques and Applications. – 2025. – P. 7.

2. Epstein A. H. et al. Power MEMS and microengines //Proceedings of International Solid State Sensors and Actuators Conference (Transducers' 97). – IEEE, 1997. – T. 2. – P. 753-756.

3. Epstein A. et al. Micro-heat engines, gas turbines, and rocket engines-The MIT microengine project //28th Fluid dynamics conference. – 1997. – P. 1773.

4. Schubert D. Mems-concept using micro turbines for satellite power supply //Solar Power, InTech. – 2012. – P. 195-210.

5. Hampel C. A., Braun R. J. Off-design modeling of a microturbine combined heat & power system //Applied Thermal Engineering. – 2022. – T. 202. – P. 117670.

6. Van Brussel H. et al. Assembly of microsystems //CIRP annals. – 2000. – T. 49. – No. 2. – pp. 451-472.

7. Lin P. et al. Modeling and controller design of a micro gas turbine for power generation //ISA transactions. – 2022. – Т. 124. – p. 411-426.

8. Badum L., Cukurel B. Multidisciplinary design methodology for micro-gas-turbines— Part II: System analysis and optimization //Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power. – 2024. – Т. 146. – №. 10. – p. 101002.

9. Dessornes O. et al. Three technological bricks for a micro turbine concept for micro power generation //Technical Digest of PowerMEMS 2005. – 2005. – p. 28-30.

10. Peirs J. et al. Micro power generation based on micro gas turbines: a challenge //MST NEWS. – 2005. – Т. 4. – p. 37.

11. Stefani F. et al. Comparative analysis of bearings for micro-GT: an innovative arrangement //Bearing Technology. – 2017. – p. 1-26.

12. Peirs J., Reynaerts D., Verplaetsen F. Development of an axial microturbine for a portable gas turbine generator //Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering. – 2003. – Т. 13. – №. 4. – p. S190.

13. Dessornes O., Zwyssig C. Micro-generator for ultra micro gas turbine //Power MEMS. – 2010. – p. 1-3.

14. Petrov T. I. Features of designing synchronous motors with permanent magnets using complex topology optimization / T. I. Petrov, A. R. Safin, R. K. Behera // Bulletin of Kazan State Power Engineering University. 2023. Vol. 15, No. 1 (57). Pp. 58-67. EDN KKTGUR.

15. Petrov T. I. Implementation of synchronous motor optimization based on a genetic algorithm in MATLAB / T. I. Petrov // News of higher educational institutions. Problems of power engineering. 2025. Vol. 27, No. 3. Pp. 102-109. DOI 10.30724/1998-9903-2025-27-3-102-109. EDN HTZVKI.

16. Safin A. R. Additive manufacturing and topology optimization of magnetic materials for electrical machines / A. R. Safin, R. K. Behera // News of higher educational institutions. Problems of energy. 2021. Vol. 23, No. 3. Pp. 14-33. DOI 10.30724/1998-9903-2021-23-3-14-33. EDN QYWQTR.

17. Capata R., Marino L., Sciubba E. A hybrid propulsion system for a high-endurance UAV: Configuration selection, aerodynamic study, and gas turbine bench tests //Journal of Unmanned Vehicle Systems. – 2014. – Т. 2. – №. 1. – p. 16-35.

18. Shah R. et al. Design and performance analysis of hydrogen-fueled micro combustion chamber with focus on back pressure minimization. – 2024.

19. Chen J. The importance of cavities to the stabilization of methane ames in micro structured combustion systems. – 2022.

20. Adamou A. et al. Experimental performance and emissions of additively manufactured high-temperature combustion chambers for micro-gas turbines //International Journal of Engine Research. – 2023. – Т. 24. – №. 4. – p. 1273-1289.

21. Capata R. et al. Experimental tests of the operating conditions of a micro gas turbine device //Journal of Energy and Power Engineering. – 2015. – Т. 9. – №. 4. – p. 326-335.

22. Badum L., Leizeronok B., Cukurel B. New Insights From Conceptual Design of an Additive Manufactured 300 W Microgas Turbine Toward Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Applications //Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power. – 2021. – Т. 143. – №. 2. – P. 021006.

23. Omri M. et al. Analysis of Flow Structure in Microturbine Operating at Low Reynolds Number //Computers, Materials & Continua. – 2022. – Т. 71. – №. 1.

24. Matsuo E. et al. Towards the development of finger-top gas turbines //Power (W). – 2003. – Т. 50. – P. 50.

25. Kosowski K., Piwowarski M. Design Analysis of Micro Gas Turbines in Closed Cycles //Energies. – 2020. – Т. 13. – №. 21. – P. 5790.

26. Lakshmy D. S. M. Design and analysis of turbine blades in a micro gas turbine engine [J] //Internation Journal for Trends in Engineering and Technology. – 2015. – Т. 5. – №. 2.

27. Capata R., Saracchini M. Experimental campaign tests on ultra micro gas turbines, fuel supply comparison and optimization //Energies. – 2018. – Т. 11. – №. 4. – P. 799.

28. Semennikov A. V. Innovations in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) / A. V. Semennikov // Economics and Management: Problems, Solutions. 2024. Vol. 5, No. 8 (147). P. 84-96. DOI 10.36871/ek.up.p.r.2024.08.05.010.

29. Li J., Liu Z., Ye R. Current status and prospects of gas turbine technology application //Journal of Physics: Conference Series. – IOP Publishing, 2021. – Т. 2108. – №. 1. – P. 012009.

30. Biswas A., Roy S. S. A review on multi nozzle electrohydrodynamic inkjet printing system for MEMS applications //IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. – IOP Publishing, 2021. – Т. 1136. – №. 1. – P. 012015.

31. The Law of the Square and the Cube [Electronic resource] // Wikipedia. – URL: https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Law_of_the_Square_—_and_the_Cube (accessed: 27.11.2025).

32. Payne J. E. Microfabrication of SiC Using Femtosecond Lasers. – 2025.

33. Jaiswal A. et al. Two decades of two-photon lithography: Materials science perspective for additive manufacturing of 2D/3D nano-microstructures //Iscience. – 2023. – Т. 26. – №. 4.

34. Реальна ли 3D-печать металлом на дому? // Хабр URL: https://habr.com/ru/companies/ruvds/articles/944702/ (дата обращения: 07.09.2025).