What type of bearings does a microturbine primarily use to enhance performance?

Microturbines primarily utilize foil bearings to enhance performance due to their ability to operate at high speeds while minimizing friction. Foil bearings are a type of aerodynamic bearing where a thin layer of gas, such as air, supports the shaft instead of relying on a conventional solid material. This design allows for very low friction and wear, leading to increased efficiency and reliability in microturbine systems.

The use of foil bearings allows microturbines to achieve higher operational speeds and reduces maintenance requirements since there are no physical contacts that can wear over time. This is crucial in applications where reliability and longevity are essential. Furthermore, foil bearings are effective at dissipating heat, which can further improve the performance and longevity of the microturbine system. Their design contributes to overall better energy efficiency and reduced operational costs, making them the preferred choice for microturbines.