Gas energy conversion apparatus and method

A method of converting gas energy from a pipeline main into electrical power comprising the steps of:

• providing a multi-stage, axial flow, impulse turbogenerator disposed within a primary bypass conduit circuit, the conduit circuit constructed and arranged to divert flow from a distribution pipeline main;
• detecting the amount of the gas flow within the distribution pipeline main and signaling a governor control system;
• diverting gas flow from the pipeline main to the primary bypass conduit circuit, such that the gas flow is received within the turbine;
• actuating an electrohydraulic starter so as to begin rotation of the turbine;
• actuating one or more modulating valves to control gas flow within the primary bypass conduit;
• increasing turbine speed by increasing the gas flow through the turbine until the electrical output produced by the turbine reaches a predetermined, steady state frequency level.

An apparatus for producing electrical power within a natural gas pipeline infrastructure utilizing pressure energy from natural gas flowing through the natural gas pipeline, the pipeline including a distribution pipeline main that branches off the pipeline, the apparatus comprising:

• a pressure control system constructed and arranged to balance a flow rate of the natural gas, the control system including:
• a) a primary bypass conduit circuit constructed and arranged to divert gas flow from the distribution pipeline main;
• b) at least one pressure regulator valve constructed and arranged to reduce gas pressure within the primary bypass conduit circuit as needed;
• c) at least one modulating valve constructed and arranged to control gas flow within the primary bypass conduit circuit;
• and
• d) at least one or more flow sensors;
• a multistage, axial flow, impulse turbine disposed within the primary bypass conduit circuit and operatively connected to a generator, the turbine including a tapered outer shell and receiving gas flow from the natural gas pipeline through the primary bypass conduit circuit and converting the flow of gas to electrical power output;
• a microprocessor governor control system constructed and arranged to send and receive signals to initiate and regulate operation of the turbine;
• a secondary turbine bypass constructed and arranged to divert gas flow around the turbine;
• a secondary modulating valve bypass constructed and arranged to control gas pressurization of the primary bypass conduit circuit after the turbine is initially charged with gas;
• and
• wherein as electrical load on the generator and downstream customer demand for gas fluctuates, the pressure control system regulates the amount of gas flowing through the turbine so as to produce a steady state electrical output.