The aim of this work is to analyse the potential electrical energy that can be produced from the installation of expanders in the gas pressure reducing stations of industrial gases networks (oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen). This solution is well established in natural gas grid but not yet implemented in existing technical gases networks. In the first part, the theoretical energy recovery potential is investigated by calculating the isentropic expansion specific power under different expander inlet temperatures and pressure ratios. Then the evaluation of adopting radial or axial expander is considered according to typical operating conditions: in particular, the design of axial expander is carried out with an open-source code. Eventually the design and the impact of the gas expanders solution is evaluated in selected industrial processes for each investigated technical gas. A discussion on practical issues is proposed. Radial expander could reach an isentropic efficiency of 89% while efficiency of 94% is obtained with an axial configuration with compact machinery. The application of gas expander in possible scenarios leads to annual energy production up to 19 GWh (O2 expander in blast furnace) with an utilization factor of 90% and cost of production ranges from 16 to 37 $/MWh with an avoided emission up to 1062 tCO2,eq/y. Results show an interesting potential for the proposed solution: however, the application strongly depends on adequate gas flow rate and operating pressure with a niche market now.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Baiguini et al. (2024) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: