Airflow generator and power generation system for natural gas conveying pipeline
By installing airflow generators in natural gas pipelines, the kinetic energy of high-speed airflow is converted into electrical energy using the principle of electromagnetic induction, thus solving the problem of energy waste and realizing green and environmentally friendly energy collection and utilization.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHINA PETROLEUM & CHEMICAL CORP
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies have not been able to effectively utilize the energy of the high-speed airflow generated during the natural gas throttling and depressurization process, resulting in energy waste and environmental pollution.
Design an airflow generator for natural gas transmission pipelines. Utilize the principle of electromagnetic induction, place the rotor in the pipeline, and drive the magnet to rotate via a high-speed airflow through a drive assembly. The winding cuts the rotating magnetic field to generate induced current for power generation, thus realizing energy conversion and storage.
By effectively utilizing the kinetic energy of high-speed airflow in natural gas pipelines and converting it into electrical energy for storage, energy waste is reduced, and a green and environmentally friendly power generation method is adopted to reduce environmental pollution.
Smart Images

Figure CN224204916U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of natural gas power generation equipment, and in particular to an airflow generator and power generation system for natural gas transmission pipelines. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, natural gas production and transportation primarily rely on pipelines. In existing pipeline transportation, pressurization is often required to maintain gas flow. However, the required gas pressure at the point of consumption (such as residential or industrial users) is often lower than the pipeline pressure before the natural gas reaches its destination. Therefore, pressure reduction is necessary to meet usage requirements. Throttling is a common method for reducing natural gas pressure. Its principle is to change the pipeline cross-sectional area, such as reducing the cross-sectional area in high-flow-rate areas, to lower the pressure. Specific methods include selecting the pressure reduction point, pipeline pretreatment, measuring the pipeline diameter and length to calculate the cross-sectional area and pressure, selecting a suitable throttling device and installing it in the pipeline, and finally conducting experimental verification and adjustments based on the results. High-speed airflow typically occurs during throttling, generating significant kinetic energy. However, currently, there is no technology to convert and utilize this energy, resulting in substantial energy loss and waste. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the technical problem that existing technologies cannot convert and utilize the energy of the high-speed airflow generated during the natural gas throttling and depressurization process, thus causing waste, and to provide an airflow generator and power generation system for natural gas transmission pipelines.
[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an airflow generator for a natural gas transmission pipeline, comprising a rotor and a stator. The stator includes a winding, and the rotor includes a magnet and a drive assembly. The magnet is disposed within the pipeline, and a bearing is provided between the outer wall of the magnet and the inner wall of the pipeline. The drive assembly is disposed within the magnet and connected to the inner wall of the magnet. The winding is wound around the pipeline circumferentially, and the winding is located in the magnetic field generated by the magnet. Under the drive of the drive assembly, the magnet can rotate within the pipeline and form a rotating magnetic field. The winding can cut the magnetic field lines of the rotating magnetic field and generate an induced current.
[0005] This application allows the rotor to be installed inside the pipeline and the stator to be installed outside the pipeline. Utilizing the principle of electromagnetic induction, the magnet in the rotor generates a magnetic field. The magnet is driven by the high-speed gas generated during the depressurization and throttling process of the natural gas pipeline through the drive assembly, generating a rotating magnetic field. The windings wound outside the pipeline can cut the magnetic field lines of the rotating magnetic field, thereby generating an induced current in the windings to generate electricity. The airflow generator of this application can convert the kinetic energy of the high-speed flowing gas in the pipeline into electrical energy for storage and utilization, which can effectively utilize energy and avoid waste. In addition, converting the mechanical energy generated by the airflow into electricity and realizing energy harvesting is also a green and environmentally friendly power generation method, reducing environmental pollution.
[0006] Preferably, the drive assembly includes a rotating shaft and a plurality of impellers. The rotating shaft is arranged along the axial direction of the pipe. A plurality of support rods are respectively provided at both ends of the rotating shaft. The plurality of support rods are arranged circumferentially along the rotating shaft. The plurality of support rods abut against the inner wall of the magnet to fix the rotating shaft. The plurality of impellers are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the rotating shaft.
[0007] Preferably, a support ring is provided between a plurality of the support rods and the inner wall of the magnet.
[0008] Preferably, the magnet comprises a plurality of magnetic blocks, which are arranged circumferentially along the pipe.
[0009] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an airflow power generation system for a natural gas transmission pipeline, comprising a pipeline and an airflow generator for a natural gas transmission pipeline as described above, wherein the airflow generator is disposed on the pipeline.
[0010] Preferably, the pipe has a variable diameter section that protrudes outward along the radial direction of the pipe, and the airflow generator is disposed on the variable diameter section.
[0011] Preferably, a rectifier is provided on the pipe downstream of the airflow generator.
[0012] Preferably, insulating flanges are provided on the pipe downstream of the rectifier and on the pipe upstream of the airflow generator.
[0013] Preferably, the winding is connected to a storage battery, and the induced current can be input into the storage battery.
[0014] Preferably, a junction box is connected between the winding and the battery.
[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0016] This invention provides an airflow generator and power generation system for natural gas transmission pipelines. By placing the rotor inside the pipeline and the stator outside the pipeline, the principle of electromagnetic induction is utilized. The magnet in the rotor generates a magnetic field, which is driven by the high-speed gas generated during the pressure reduction and throttling process of the natural gas pipeline to generate a rotating magnetic field. The windings wound outside the pipeline can cut the magnetic field lines of the rotating magnetic field, thereby generating an induced current in the windings to generate electricity. The airflow generator of this application can convert the kinetic energy of the high-speed flowing gas in the pipeline into electrical energy for storage and utilization, which can effectively utilize energy and avoid waste. In addition, converting the mechanical energy generated by the airflow into electricity and realizing energy harvesting is also a green and environmentally friendly power generation method, reducing environmental pollution. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the gas flow power generation system for natural gas transmission pipelines according to this utility model.
[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The first structural diagram of the "AA" section.
[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The second structural diagram of the "AA" section.
[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the perspective of the middle arrow "B".
[0021] Marked in the image:
[0022] 1. Magnet, 11. Magnetic block, 2. Winding, 3. Shaft, 4. Impeller, 5. Support rod, 6. Bearing, 7. Pipe, 8. Rectifier, 9. Battery, 10. Junction box, 12. Connecting flange, 13. Insulating flange, 14. Support ring. Detailed Implementation
[0023] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention to the following embodiments; all technologies implemented based on the content of the present invention fall within the scope of the present invention.
[0024] Unless otherwise specified, the use of terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "center," "inner," and "outer" to indicate orientation or positional relationships in the description of specific embodiments of this utility model is based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the utility model product / equipment / device is typically placed during use. These terms are merely for the purpose of facilitating the description of the utility model solution or simplifying the description in specific embodiments, enabling those skilled in the art to quickly understand the solution, and do not indicate or imply that a specific device / component / element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific positional relationship. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0025] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "suspended," and "parallel" does not imply that the corresponding device / component / element must be absolutely horizontal, vertical, suspended, or parallel, but rather that it can be slightly tilted or have a deviation. For example, "horizontal" merely means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," not that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted. Alternatively, it can be simplified to mean that the corresponding device / component / element, when set in a "horizontal," "vertical," "suspended," or "parallel" direction, can have an error / deviation of ±10% relative to the corresponding direction, more preferably within ±8%, more preferably within ±6%, more preferably within ±5%, and more preferably within ±4%. As long as the corresponding device / component / element is within the error / deviation range, it can still achieve its function in the present invention.
[0026] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first," "second," and "third" in terminology is merely for distinguishing descriptions of identical or similar components and should not be interpreted as emphasizing or implying the relative importance of a particular component.
[0027] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this utility model, "several", "multiple", and "several" represent at least two. The number can be any number, such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or nine, and can even exceed nine.
[0028] Furthermore, in the description of the technical solution of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified / limited / restricted, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," "link," "equipped with," "laid out," and "arranged" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to common connection methods in the art, such as welding, riveting, bolting, and threaded connections. Such connections can be mechanical, electrical, or communication connections; they can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components.
[0029] Example 1
[0030] This embodiment provides an airflow generator for natural gas transmission pipelines.
[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the gas flow power generation system for natural gas transmission pipelines according to this utility model; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the first structural design for the "AA" section in the middle; Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the second structure of the "AA" section; Figure 4 for Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the perspective of the middle arrow "B".
[0032] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown in the figure, the gas flow generator for the natural gas transmission pipeline 7 described in this embodiment may include a rotor and a stator. The stator includes a winding 2, and the rotor includes a magnet 1 and a drive assembly. The magnet 1 is inserted into the pipeline 7, and a bearing 6 is provided between the outer wall of the magnet 1 and the inner wall of the pipeline 7. The drive assembly is disposed in the magnet 1 and connected to the inner wall of the magnet 1. The winding 2 is wound around the pipeline 7 circumferentially, and the winding 2 is located in the magnetic field generated by the magnet 1. Under the drive of the drive assembly, the magnet 1 can rotate in the pipeline 7 and form a rotating magnetic field. The winding 2 can cut the magnetic field lines of the rotating magnetic field and generate an induced current. Here, the magnet 1 can be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet, which can form a stable magnetic field. The winding 2 can be formed by winding metal wire around the outside of the pipeline 7. The drive assembly can be of various structures. The structure can be composed of multiple impellers 4, with the blades of the impellers 4 directly fixed to the inner wall of the magnet 1. The impellers 4 rotate under the drive of high-speed gas in the pipe 7, simultaneously driving the magnet 1 to rotate and generating a rotating magnetic field. Alternatively, multiple impellers 4 can be mounted on a rotating shaft 3 and connected to the magnet 1 through connecting mechanisms at both ends of the rotating shaft 3, thus enabling the impellers 4 to rotate while simultaneously driving the magnet 1 to rotate. A bearing 6 is installed between the magnet 1 and the pipe 7 to support the magnet 1 in the middle of the pipe 7, while simultaneously forming a rotational connection between the magnet 1 and the pipe 7, allowing the magnet 1 to rotate freely in the pipe 7 under the drive of the drive assembly. Here, the magnet 1 can be formed into a ring-shaped or cylindrical structure, with the drive assembly located inside the magnet 1, and the bearing 6 and the pipe 7 fitted outside the magnet 1.
[0033] This application allows the rotor to be installed inside the pipe 7 and the stator to be installed outside the pipe 7. Utilizing the principle of electromagnetic induction, the magnet 1 in the rotor generates a magnetic field. The magnet 1 can be driven by the high-speed gas generated during the depressurization and throttling process of the natural gas pipe 7 through the drive assembly to rotate and generate a rotating magnetic field. The winding 2, which is wound outside the pipe 7, can cut the magnetic field lines of the rotating magnetic field, thereby generating an induced current in the winding 2 to generate electricity. The airflow generator of this application can convert the kinetic energy of the high-speed flowing gas in the pipe 7 into electrical energy for storage and utilization, which can effectively utilize energy and avoid waste. In addition, converting the mechanical energy generated by the airflow into electricity and realizing energy harvesting is also a green and environmentally friendly power generation method, reducing environmental pollution.
[0034] In this embodiment, the drive assembly includes a rotating shaft 3 and multiple impellers 4. The rotating shaft 3 shown in the figure has six impellers 4, which are spaced apart along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 3. The rotating shaft 3 is arranged axially within the pipe 7. Multiple support rods 5 are provided at both ends of the rotating shaft 3, with six support rods 5 at each end as shown in the figure. The six support rods 5 are arranged circumferentially along the rotating shaft 3. The cantilever ends of the support rods 5 can abut against the inner wall of the magnet 1 to fix the rotating shaft 3. In other words, the rotating shaft 3 can be suspended within the magnet 1 under the support of the support rods 5. Figure 1 The direction of the arrow "B" indicates the flow direction of the airflow in pipe 7. The airflow in pipe 7 can drive the impeller 4 to rotate through the gap between the support rods 5. The impeller 4 is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 3. When the impeller 4 rotates, it can also drive the rotating shaft 3 to rotate together. The rotating shaft 3 is fixedly connected to the support rods 5. The support rods 5 are fixed against the inner wall of the magnet 1. Here, when the impeller 4 rotates under the drive of the airflow in pipe 7, it can simultaneously drive the rotating shaft 3, the support rods 5 and the magnet 1 to rotate together, thereby forming a rotating magnetic field. This causes the winding 2 fixed outside pipe 7 to cut the magnetic field lines of the rotating magnetic field, generating electricity using the electromagnetic induction effect. However, this utility model is not limited to this. The number of impellers 4 on the rotating shaft 3 and the number of support rods 5 connected to the rotating shaft 3 can be arbitrarily selected according to the situation. This utility model does not make specific limitations in this regard.
[0035] Optionally, a support ring 14 can be provided between the support rod 5 and the inner wall of the magnet 1. That is, the support ring 14 can be circumferentially connected to the cantilever ends of multiple support rods 5. The outer diameter of the support ring 14 can match the inner diameter of the magnet 1. After the support ring 14 is installed in the magnet 1, it can abut against the inner wall of the magnet 1, thereby fixing the support rod 5, the rotating shaft 3 and the impeller 4 in the magnet 1. Here, the support ring 14 can improve the support performance of the support rod 5. The outer wall area of the support ring 14 is larger than the end area of the support rod 5, which can increase the contact area between the rotor and the inner wall of the magnet 1. Thus, the inner wall of the magnet 1 can provide greater static friction during support, which can better prevent the drive components from displacing in the magnet 1 under long-term airflow pressure. Specifically, whether to provide a support ring 14 on the support rod 5 can be selected according to actual needs, and this utility model does not make specific limitations in this regard.
[0036] In this embodiment, the shape and arrangement of the magnet 1 can be varied. For example, the magnet 1 can be an annular or cylindrical structure; the magnet 1 can also include multiple magnetic blocks 11, for example... Figure 3 The six magnetic blocks 11 shown can be arranged circumferentially in the pipe 7, and can also be arranged radially in pairs along the pipe 7. This means the six magnetic blocks 11 are evenly distributed circumferentially along the pipe 7. The magnetic poles of two magnetic blocks 11 arranged radially opposite each other can have the same or opposite directions. For example, the N pole of one magnetic block 11 on one radial side can face upstream of the pipe 7, and the S pole can face downstream. The N pole of the opposite magnetic block 11 also faces upstream, and the S pole faces downstream, meaning the magnetic poles of both magnetic blocks 11 have the same direction. Or... On one side of the radial direction of the pipe 7, the N pole of the magnetic block 11 can face upstream of the pipe 7, and the S pole can face downstream of the pipe 7. On the other side of the radial direction opposite to it, the N pole of the magnetic block 11 faces downstream of the pipe 7, and the S pole faces upstream of the pipe 7. That is, the magnetic poles of the two magnetic blocks 11 are set in opposite directions. Regardless of whether the magnetic poles of the two magnetic blocks 11 set in opposite directions on the radial direction of the pipe 7 are the same or opposite, a stable and uniform magnetic field can be formed between the two magnetic blocks 11 on the radial direction and outside the pipe 7. This can make the direction of the magnetic field lines intersect with the winding direction of the winding 2 on the pipe 7, which is more conducive to the winding 2 cutting the magnetic field lines when the magnet 1 rotates. This can enhance the effect of electromagnetic induction to generate induced current and achieve a greater degree of energy conversion.
[0037] Example 2
[0038] This embodiment provides an airflow power generation system for a natural gas transmission pipeline 7.
[0039] The gas flow power generation system for natural gas transmission pipeline 7 described in this embodiment may include pipeline 7 and gas flow generator for natural gas transmission pipeline 7 as described in Embodiment 1. The gas flow generator is installed on pipeline 7, and the fluid in pipeline 7 can pass through the gas flow generator. The gas flow generator can convert the kinetic energy of the fluid in pipeline 7 into electrical energy to generate electricity.
[0040] In this embodiment, a variable diameter section is formed on the pipe 7, protruding outward along the radial direction of the pipe 7, and the airflow generator is disposed on the variable diameter section; the radial cross-sectional area of the inner cavity of the magnet 1 is equivalent to the flow area of the gas in the magnet 1. By placing the magnet 1 in the variable diameter section, the flow area of the inner cavity of the magnet 1 can be made consistent with the radial cross-sectional area of the pipe 7 on both sides of the variable diameter section, so that the flow area of the airflow in the pipe 7 remains unchanged, and the flow velocity of the airflow in the pipe 7 and the airflow generator remains uniform, thus avoiding energy loss.
[0041] In this embodiment, a rectifier 8 is provided on the downstream pipe 7 of the airflow generator. The fluid passing through the airflow generator usually exhibits turbulence or eddies, resulting in unstable flow. The fluid can continue to flow along the pipe 7 after passing through the airflow generator and be transported to the rectifier 8. Under the rectification effect of the rectifier 8, the flow can be restored to a stable state, reducing the adverse effects of turbulence and eddies on fluid transport.
[0042] In this embodiment, the winding 2 can be connected to the storage battery 9, the induced current can be input into the storage battery 9 for storage, and the electrical energy converted by the airflow generator can be stored and powered by the storage battery 9.
[0043] In this embodiment, a junction box 10 can be connected between the winding 2 and the battery. The junction box 10 can control the connection between the airflow generator and the battery 9. When the battery 9 needs to be charged, it can be charged by connecting the winding 2 through the junction box 10. When the battery 9 is fully charged and needs to be used, it can be disconnected from the winding 2 through the junction box 10 and moved to the required position for discharge.
[0044] In this embodiment, connecting flanges 12 and insulating flanges 13 can also be provided on the pipes 7 on both sides of the gas flow generator. The gas flow generator can be set between the two connecting flanges 12 on the pipe 7. That is, the two connecting flanges 12 can be set at the upstream and downstream positions of the diameter-changing section of the pipe 7, respectively. The gas flow generator and the rectifier 8 can be set simultaneously between the two insulating flanges 13 on the pipe 7. Usually, the natural gas transmission pipe 7 is a metal pipe 7, which can be electrified. The induced current generated on the winding 2 can be conducted to the pipe 7. In order to prevent the current from being conducted infinitely on the pipe 7, insulating flanges 13 can be set upstream of the gas flow generator and downstream of the rectifier 8 to isolate the current conduction on the pipe 7 and avoid power loss. Here, the material of the insulating flange 13 can be insulating materials such as rubber and plastic.
[0045] In summary, this utility model provides an airflow generator and power generation system for natural gas transmission pipelines. By placing the rotor inside the pipeline and the stator outside the pipeline, the principle of electromagnetic induction is utilized. The magnet in the rotor generates a magnetic field, which is driven by the high-speed gas generated during the pressure reduction and throttling process of the natural gas pipeline through the drive assembly to generate a rotating magnetic field. The windings wound outside the pipeline can cut the magnetic field lines of the rotating magnetic field, thereby generating an induced current in the windings to generate electricity. The airflow generator of this application can convert the kinetic energy of the high-speed flowing gas in the pipeline into electrical energy for storage and utilization, which can effectively utilize energy and avoid waste. In addition, converting the mechanical energy generated by the airflow into electricity and realizing energy harvesting is also a green and environmentally friendly power generation method, reducing environmental pollution.
[0046] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A gas flow generator for natural gas transmission pipelines, characterized in that, The device includes a rotor and a stator. The stator includes a winding (2). The rotor includes a magnet (1) and a drive assembly. The magnet (1) is installed inside a pipe (7). A bearing (6) is provided between the outer wall of the magnet (1) and the inner wall of the pipe (7). The drive assembly is disposed in the magnet (1) and connected to the inner wall of the magnet (1). The winding (2) is wound around the pipe (7) circumferentially. The winding (2) is located in the magnetic field generated by the magnet (1). The magnet (1) is able to rotate in the pipe (7) and form a rotating magnetic field under the drive of the drive assembly, and the winding (2) is able to cut the magnetic field lines of the rotating magnetic field and generate an induced current.
2. The gas flow generator for a natural gas transmission pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a rotating shaft (3) and several impellers (4). The rotating shaft (3) is arranged along the axial direction of the pipe (7). Several support rods (5) are provided at both ends of the rotating shaft (3). Several support rods (5) are arranged along the circumference of the rotating shaft (3). Several support rods (5) abut against the inner wall of the magnet (1) to fix the rotating shaft (3). Several impellers (4) are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the rotating shaft (3) on the rotating shaft (3).
3. The gas flow generator for a natural gas transmission pipeline according to claim 2, characterized in that, A support ring (14) is provided between several of the support rods (5) and the inner wall of the magnet (1).
4. The gas flow generator for a natural gas transmission pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that, The magnet (1) includes a plurality of magnetic blocks (11), which are arranged circumferentially along the pipe (7).
5. A gas flow power generation system for natural gas transmission pipelines, characterized in that, It includes a pipeline (7) and a gas flow generator for a natural gas transmission pipeline as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, the gas flow generator being mounted on the pipeline (7).
6. The gas flow power generation system for natural gas transmission pipelines according to claim 5, characterized in that, A variable diameter section is formed on the pipe (7) that protrudes outward along the radial direction of the pipe (7), and the airflow generator is disposed on the variable diameter section.
7. The gas flow power generation system for natural gas transmission pipelines according to claim 5, characterized in that, A rectifier (8) is provided on the pipe (7) downstream of the airflow generator.
8. The gas flow power generation system for natural gas transmission pipelines according to claim 7, characterized in that, Insulating flanges (13) are provided on the pipe (7) downstream of the rectifier (8) and on the pipe (7) upstream of the airflow generator.
9. The gas flow power generation system for natural gas transmission pipelines according to claim 5, characterized in that, The winding (2) is connected to a storage battery (9), and the induced current can be input into the storage battery (9).
10. The gas flow power generation system for natural gas transmission pipelines according to claim 9, characterized in that, A junction box (10) is connected between the winding (2) and the battery (9).