Electricity generation potential from natural gas pressure reduction turbines in Brazil

Abstract

This paper addresses the urgent need to meet increasing energy demand while avoiding greenhouse gas emissions by improving energy efficiency. One significant challenge is the energy losses that occur during gas pressure reduction at city gates in natural gas distribution systems. To tackle this issue, this study proposes installing pressure reduction turbines (PRTs) parallel to existing reduction valves, which can generate electricity and enhance system efficiency. This research mainly focuses on Brazil’s natural gas supply, where the potential for installing PRTs is evaluated. The methodology analyzes the country’s distribution network and estimates the electricity generation capacity achievable from PRTs. The results indicate a potential power generation of 66 MW, capable of avoiding the emission of 235,800 tons of CO2 annually and generating 333 GWh/year of electricity, all at a LCOE of $27/MW. These contribute to the environment using the energy efficiency achieved through the installation of PRTs, consequently, Brazil can help to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

Hartmann–Sprenger Energy Separation Effect for the Quasi-Isothermal Pressure Reduction of Natural Gas: Feasibility Analysis and Numerical Simulation

“…To implement this, it is possible to use expander generators that convert potential pressure energy into mechanical energy, followed by conversion into electricity and heat [3][4][5]. However, the expander generator system is rather complex and, most importantly, due to the removal of additional mechanical work from the gas flow in the expander, the gas temperature drops more significantly, which, in turn, requires the organization of more substantial heating and the utilization of cold temperatures; for example, to obtain liquefied natural gas [6].…”