An electrical power generation system includes a micro turbo alternator having combustion chamber, a turbine driven by combustion gases from the combustion chamber and a compressor operably connected to the combustion chamber to provide a compressed airflow thereto. A permanent magnet generator is located along a shaft connecting the compressor and turbine such that electrical power is generated via rotation of the shaft, and a cyclonic dirt separator operably connected to a compressor inlet. The cyclonic dirt separator includes an air inlet, and an air exhaust disposed at opposing ends of a housing. The cyclonic dirt separator is configured to induce circumferential rotation into the airflow entering through the air inlet, and separate the airflow into a clean airflow and a relatively dirty airflow, such that the relatively dirty airflow flows through the air exhaust and the clean airflow is directed to the compressor inlet.