Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Background/Objectives: One of promising researches to increase efficiency of oil and gas production is connected with compressed gas energy recovery. Potential gas energy may be converted to thermal energy or electric power using special gas turbines. Methods: The known methods for converting compressed gas energy into thermal or electric energy involve the use of impulse and reaction turbines. But high price for turbines hinders works on the use of compressed gas energy. Development of technologies for compressed gas energy recovery should be aimed at creating simpler and cheaper equipment. When developing new turbines for thermal generator, options using looped blades have been analyzed. Findings: At this stage of research and development work we have developed a new thermal generator, equipped with a gas turbine and a heat transfer fluid circulation loop. Looped blades were used in the turbine creation. A distinctive feature of the created turbine is that the working gas flow is directed along a plane that is perpendicular to the turbine rotation axis. In the known turbines, equipped with looped blades, the working gas flow is directed along the turbine rotation axis. Application of these results brings about the opportunity for creating simpler and less expensive power plants operating by means of compressed gas energy for a wider power range – from a few kilowatts to several hundred kilowatts. Application/ Improvements: The basic field of application for the created plant is associated with the production facilities of oil and gas industry. However, individual results can be used in other industries, for example, when creating machinery for sea and air transport, where weight reduction and improving the reliability of the equipment is particularly relevant.

Keywords: Energy Conversion, Gas, Generator, Looped Blade, Oil, Turbine