Method of power generation from pressure control stations of a natural gas distribution system

Abstract

A method is described of generating power from a pressure control station of a natural gas distribution system. A first step involves channeling natural gas entering the pressure control station into a turbine ( 52 ) which is powered by expansion of the natural gas as the pressure of the natural gas is reduced. A second step involves capturing the output of the turbine ( 52 ) for useful purposes.

1 . A method of generating power from a pressure control station of a natural gas distribution system, comprising the steps of: 
 channeling natural gas entering the pressure control station into a turbine ( 52 ) which is powered by expansion of the natural gas as the pressure of the natural gas is reduced; and    capturing the output of the turbine ( 52 ) for application for useful purposes.    
   
   
       2 . The method as defined in  claim 1 , the natural gas not being pre-heated prior to being channeled into the turbine ( 52 ), with a view to intentionally generating cold temperatures, a heat exchanger ( 56 ) being provided to utilize the cold temperatures generated for one of refrigeration or air conditioning.  
   
   
       3 . The method as defined in  claim 1 , the turbine ( 52 ) being used to power an electrical generator ( 54 ).  
   
   
       4 . The method as defined in  claim 1 , using a portion of the natural gas to power a gas fueled turbine power generator ( 58 ), passing the exhaust gases from the gas fueled turbine power generator ( 58 ) through a second heat exchanger ( 66 ) to preheat the natural gas being channeled into the turbine ( 52 ) and capturing the output of the gas fueled turbine power generator ( 58 ) for application for useful purposes.