Operation analysis of expander-generator unit at a gas distribution station

Abstract

The article touches upon the urgent problem of deploying secondary energy resources in the system of transportation and distribution of natural gas. Excessive gas pressure as the main component of secondary energy resources for technological processes is practically not used at gas distribution stations, where throttle devices are deployed. The proposal to utilize excess gas pressure in turboexpander both at gas distribution stations and at compressor stations of gas pipelines without preheating has not yet been widely applied, and therefore the replacement of throttle devices with turboexpander units will be determined by energy and economic efficiency. One of the effective technologies to reduce the consumption of fuel and energy resources is the expander-generator technology. In combination with heat pump units, expander-generator units allow you to create highly efficient energy-generating complexes that can generate electricity without burning fuel. The possibility of generating electricity without burning fuel by expanding high-pressure natural gas at gas distribution stations is being considered. An analytical dependence has been obtained to determine the proportion of electric energy supplied to the electric network based on the expander-generator unit in the gas supply system.