Gas pressure at gas regulator stations is reduced by using throttling valves. The main effect of a throttling process is a significant pressure drop without any work interactions or changes in kinetic energy. The same pressure drop can be achieved by expanding the gas through an expansion turbine. In this case, there will be a work output accompanying the pressure drop. The expansion process is also accompanied by a temperature drop and the incoming gas has to be heated if the temperature after expansion is to be maintained above a certain specified level. Electric generation can be achieved by mechanically coupling the turbine to a generator. Cogeneration at gas regulator stations is currently receiving significant attention in Europe. A case study was undertaken at one of the gas regulator stations belonging to UGI Corporation. Thermodynamic calculations were performed from the available data on gas flow rate, gas composition and the inlet and outlet presssure at this station. The calculations were used to identify an appropriate expander turbine for driving an electric generator. The calculations also provided an estimate of the energy needed to heat the gas appropriately. A vendor was identified to provide a cost quotation for a 'turnkey' operation of the cogeneration unit. Using this quotation and the rate at which power can be sold, a detailed financial analysis for the entire project was conducted. It was found that the entire project will have a very high rate of return and a short payback period.
Cogeneration at gas regular stations - A case study
Kombinierte Energieerzeugung in Gasregelstationen - Eine Fallstudie
ASME-Papers ; Oct ; 1-3
1987
3 Seiten, 4 Bilder, 2 Tabellen, 3 Quellen
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch
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