ECONOMIC EFFECT FROM THE INTRODUCTION OF AN EXPANDER-GENERATOR UNIT DURING THE UTILIZATION OF SECONDARY ENERGY RESOURCES
Abstract
The results of the study of the problem of energy saving and energy supply show that at present, along with non-traditional energy sources, much attention is paid to the use of secondary energy resources in the form of excess pressure on main pipelines. The article discusses the expander-generator technology at the stations for lowering the pressure of main natural gas, which makes it possible to produce electricity with a high, in comparison with thermal stations, ecological indicator. An expander-generator set is a device in which the energy of the transported natural gas stream is converted first into mechanical energy in an expander and then into electrical energy in a generator. The calculation of the power of the expander - generator set at various values of the flow rate and the pressure difference was carried out, according to the results of which the payback period of the installation was determined and a comparative analysis of the economic effect from the introduction of this technology was given. On the basis of the results and analysis, the rational capacities of the expander - generating units were determined, at which the payback period of the installation would be minimal.