Applying the root cause analysis methodology to study the lack of market success of micro gas turbine systems

Abstract

Micro Gas Turbines are on-site generators with the potential to help the transition to a greener economy. However, their deployment into the market did not match the expectations. The Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is the methodology to uncover the highest-level causes before identifying possible solutions. This work applies the traditional approach to problem-solving, which originated as a methodology to find faults in processes. The methodology leads to an in-depth exploration of the problem and the cause–effect relationships within the microturbine and energy market. Specifically, the traditional RCA allowed for a creative and extensive approach. This study highlights the difficulty of targeting the problem from a general perspective with such tools. The process-based tools of the RCA make it challenging to represent such complex systems effectively. In this regard, the authors compare the present methodology with the Theory of Constraints, analysing benefits and obstacles. Eventually, the present methodology systematically isolated several root causes of the problem.