Since the efficiency of a gas turbine declines almost exponentially with respect to the load, and the gas turbine works best at its maximum load, Will be possible a gas turbine, perhaps electronically controlled to improve efficiency at low loads for automotive applications?
Martin E. Baltazar-Lopez If the gas turbines will be used in automotive applications, they will be optimized for work with a high load. Exactly how piston engines work in hybrid drive systems. In such a system there is a possibility to avoid low-load region which is generally very inefficient for piston engines. In a hybrid system vehicle can be powered by electric motor at low/medium speed, and combustion engine works only when it is needed, and works then with high load (efficlently). Gas turbine could be used in similar way co-operating with electric machine. I don't think that turbine will be used as an only propulsion source for automotive vehicles again.
I remenber when I was a younger student of mechanical engineer i made the same question to my professor of "motor combustion engine" and he told me. the gas turbine are rotary machine with small gap between rotor tip and the stator which are responsible for its efficiency. unfortuantelly when you reduce the size of the turbine you cant reduce the gap, that is the reason for not use GT in cars.
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