Waste Heat Generation

How do you create electricity from 'waste' heat
generated by natural gas compression?
Utilizing technology developed and manufactured by Ormat, the waste heat units constructed at Alliance Pipeline’s four compressor stations in Saskatchewan recover the exhaust heat from natural gas turbines (which compress the gas to transport it through the pipeline) and convert it into electricity.

Each waste heat power generation unit has three main components: a heat exchanger, a thermal oil loop and an energy converter.  A unique feature of the waste heat power generation system is that it is entirely self-contained.  Electricity leaves the station via transmission lines (owned by the power company) and goes to the power company’s grid for distribution to customers.

As this heat would otherwise be released directly into the atmosphere, this method of power generation is environmentally responsible because electricity can be produced without creating any additional greenhouse gases or other emissions. Each NRGreen waste heat power generation unit is designed to produce 5 megawatts of power – enough energy to power the equivalent of approximately 5,000 homes.

For more information:
General Waste Heat Fact Sheet (PDF File - 60k)
Waste Heat Generation Animation (SWF file - 9.5 MB)