High speed turbogenerator for power recovery from fluid flow within conduit
US4555637A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 26, 1982 |
| Grant date | Nov 26, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 26, 2002 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S416/04
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A high speed turbogenerator functionally combining, in one machine, an electrical generator and an expansion turbine. The electrical generator itself has a shaft supported on two bearings and the expansion turbine comprises an expander wheel overhung on the generator shaft and which rotates as a high pressure gas is let down in the expansion turbine to a lower pressure at a minimum predetermined flow rate and pressure drop. The shaft operates at speeds of about 6,000 rpm to 32,000 rpm, preferably at the higher end of such range, i.e. 20,000 to 24,000 rpm. The unit is sufficiently compact that a new use for the electrical generator is to modify the same such that the entire high speed turbogenerator is contained within the conduit carrying the gas to be let down in pressure and only electrical wires need be led through the conduit. The integrity of the conduit is thus retained to the extent possible and only a high pressure cable fitting extends through the conduit. In the preferred embodiment, the high speed turbogenerator is entirely fitted within a natural gas conduit in a gas distribution station, thereby achieving the pressure letdown and also obtaining useful electrical power.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.