“About a year ago I spoke with a friend who actually worked on such a project that will remain anonymous. In his humble opinion, this was a good technology for buses or larger vehicles but nothing smaller. I trust this gents judgment.”
A small turbo diesel would be a reasonable replacement for a small turbine. The turbo diesel would give similar effiency and less noise. On the other hand, it would be heavier and more complex.
On the other hand, new material may change the viability of micro turbines.
A series hybrid generator-pac. Their engine of choice at the moment? A 48hp Wankel that is used in a racing go-kart!
I said 2 years ago watch for the return of the Wankel, I was spot on. Again a Omnivorous engine, quiet and smooth, the question is can they get the fuel specifics (BSFC) down to were it is do-able.
The materials are their, expensive as all get up, unless a ceramic breakthrough occurs and if it did, my guess we wouldn't know because it would be used on don't ask what I do for a living stuff for quite sometime....