Energy harvesting from natural gas Pipelines: Feasibility of thermoelectric generators as lithium battery replacements in electronic gas volume correctors
Nader Rahbar , Kamran Eslami , Hadi Kargarsharifabad , Kiomars Samradjah , Ashkan Razmjoo , Seyed Mohammad MirNajafizadeh
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
This study investigates the feasibility of replacing conventional lithium batteries in electronic gas volume correctors with thermoelectric modules, offering a sustainable and low-maintenance power solution for natural gas distribution systems. Field tests were conducted at a City Gate Station under both warm and cold climate conditions. In warm climates, where the ambient temperature exceeded the pipe temperature, the system achieved a maximum closed-circuit voltage of 0.31 V at a temperature difference of 3.77 °C, delivering 1.46 mW of power and 4.64 mA of current. In cold climates, with the ambient temperature lower than the pipe temperature, the system generated a maximum closed-circuit voltage of 0.25 V at a 3.6 °C temperature difference, yielding 0.94 mW of power and 3.73 mA of current. Based on these findings, a configuration comprising 72 thermoelectric modules, arranged in two series-connected sets of 36, was proposed to supply the required voltage (3.6 V) and current (over 6 mA) for gas volume correctors for more than 95 % of annual operating hours. Economic analysis revealed that the system's payback period is favorable; for instance, with a battery lifespan of 2 years, the device recovers its cost within 5 years, while a battery lifespan of 5 years necessitates an operational lifespan exceeding 15 years for economic viability. Sensitivity analysis identified average battery life, device operational lifespan, battery price, and initial manufacturing cost as the most critical factors influencing economic performance. By reducing reliance on lithium-based energy storage, this approach mitigates the environmental hazards associated with lithium battery disposal, including toxic waste and resource-intensive production, while aligning with global sustainability goals aimed at minimizing resource extraction and environmental degradation. These findings demonstrate that thermoelectric modules offer an effective, economically viable, and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional batteries in gas volume correction applications.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Cleaner Production is an international, transdisciplinary journal that addresses and discusses theoretical and practical Cleaner Production, Environmental, and Sustainability issues. It aims to help societies become more sustainable by focusing on the concept of 'Cleaner Production', which aims at preventing waste production and increasing efficiencies in energy, water, resources, and human capital use. The journal serves as a platform for corporations, governments, education institutions, regions, and societies to engage in discussions and research related to Cleaner Production, environmental, and sustainability practices.