Turboexpander as a distributed generator

This paper discusses the issue of turboexpander (TE) as distributed generation. TE is a centrifugal or axial flow turbine through which a high-pressure gas is expanded to produce work that is typically used to drive a compressor. It can be used to convert the energy of gas or vapor stream into mechanical work as the gas or vapor expands through the turbine. TE converts the wasted energy in the gas to clean electricity. It can be used in many applications, including gas transportation, ethylene plants, refineries and air separation facilities and etc. The paper defines the resources as well as the ways energy is converted into electricity, technologies involved in converting energy, the advantage and disadvantage of using TE.