Producing power from liquefied natural gas
US6116031A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 26, 1999 |
| Grant date | Sep 12, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 26, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF17C2270/0581
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A process is disclosed for converting liquefied natural gas (LNG), at a temperature of about -162.degree. C. (-260.degree. F.) and a pressure near atmospheric pressure, to a pressurized liquefied natural gas (PLNG) having a temperature above -112.degree. C. (-170.degree. F.) and a pressure sufficient for the liquid to be at or near its bubble point and at the same time producing energy derived from the cold of the LNG. The LNG is pumped to a pressure above 1,380 kPa (200 psia) and passed through a heat exchanger. A refrigerant as a working fluid in a closed circuit is passed through the heat exchanger to condense the refrigerant and to provide heat for warming the pressurized LNG. The refrigerant is then pressurized, vaporized by an external heat source, and then passed through a work-producing device to generate energy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.