Patent ID: 7607303
Filing Date: 2009-10-27
Classification: F04D,F25J,Y02C

Abstract:
1. A natural gas power plant located at or near a methane-producing formation traversed by at least one borehole, the natural gas power plant comprising: a first piping coupled to said borehole, said first piping transporting said methane; a turbo-expander coupled to said first piping, wherein said turbo-expander receives said methane produced from the borehole at a first pressure and generates work therefrom, said methane exiting said turbo-expander at a reduced pressure relative to said first pressure, said turbo-expander having a shaft; a fuel cell and separator coupled to said turbo-expander, wherein outputs from said fuel cell and separator include electricity, heat, water, and carbon dioxide; a compressor which receives said carbon dioxide and compresses it, wherein said compressor is mechanically coupled to said shaft of said turbo-expander; and a second piping coupled to said compressor and transporting compressed carbon dioxide into a geological formation for sequestration therein.