Patent ID: 10280796

Abstract:
A turboexpander-generator unit including a casing with a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The unit further comprises a turboexpander having a turboexpander rotor mounted on a shaft supported for rotation in the casing, and an electric generator arranged in the casing and comprised of a generator stator and a generator rotor mounted on the shaft, for co-rotation with the turboexpander rotor. The unit also comprises a plurality of bearings configured and arranged for rotatingly supporting the shaft in the casing. A gas flow path from the gas inlet to the gas outlet, which extends through the turboexpander and the electric generator. Compressed working gas expands in the turboexpander and generates mechanical power for rotating the generator rotor. The expanded working gas from the turboexpander flow through the electric generator and removes heat therefrom. The bearings comprise gas-lubricated bearings, lubricated with the working gas.