Thermodynamic Analysis of aSystem to Generate Electrical Energy from the Mechanical Energy of aNatural Gas

The objective of this work is to design a system for generating electricity from the mechanical energy of anatural gas at high pressure. The main motivation for the development of the research is based on the need to detect by the natural gas distribution industry, where it is considered that the use of the mechanical energy of natural gas (flow energy and kinetic energy) can be used for the Electric power generation, through a turbo expander, and thus power the electromechanical components of a substation. In this way, energy consumption costs are reduced, which translates into unquestionable gains in energy efficiency. The methodology applied is based on the use of physical principles such as the conservation of mass and energy in a control volume. Likewise, the guidelines established in the guideline for the expression of measurement uncertainty allowed us toestimate an interval where the real value of the mechanical power generated at the output of the turboexpanderis found. Based on experimental data in a natural gas distribution substation, the consolidated results allowed quantifying the average mechanical power at the inlet of a turboexpander(8155 W) and, in the typical situation where the turboexpanderreducesits outlet pressure to 50% , an average mechanical power is generated at the output of the turboexpanderequal to 4893 W, which translates into an efficiency of 40%. This research work allowed us to conclude that the design of a system for electric power generation is viable based on the thermodynamic and dimensional parameters associated with the natural gas distribution system, as well as the mechanical power that can be generated at the exit of a turboexpander Este trabajo tiene por objetivo diseñar un sistema de generación de energía eléctrica a partir de la energía mecánica de un gas natural a alta presión. La motivación principal para el desarrollo de la investigación se fundamenta en la necesidad detectar por la industria de distribución de gas natural, donde se considera que el aprovechamiento de la energía mecánica del gas natural (energía de flujo y energía cinética) puede ser aprovechado para la generación de energía eléctrica, a través de un turbo expansor, y así alimentar los componentes electromecánicos de una subestación. De esta forma se disminuyen costos de consumo de energía lo que se traduce en incuestionables ganancias de eficiencia energética. La metodología aplicada se basa en la utilización de principios físicos como lo s