New Jersey-based Anax Power, a clean energy solutions provider, recently commissioned the 500kW Anax Turboexpander, a technology that generates emissions-free electricity at natural gas regulating stations using the pressure and flow of natural gas moving through pipelines.
It is the first turboexpander specifically designed to maximize reliability on natural gas pipelines and generate power.
The technology operates at Ohio-based midstream and upstream energy company Pin Oak Energy’s Johnsonburg Regulating Station in Pennsylvania. It generates up to 500 kilowatts of clean power for Ohio-based Magellan Scientific’s off-grid, co-located data center using the data center’s excess heat and the turboexpander’s excess cooling. Excess computing heat protects downstream equipment by keeping the gas above freezing.
“Partnering with Pin Oak Energy Partners and Magellan Scientific has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition,” Michael Longo Anax Power, head of business development, said. “Their commitment to innovation and sustainability aligns with our mission to sustainably transform America’s greatest energy resource – its natural gas pipeline system.”
The ATE-500 uses active magnetic bearings that eliminate mechanical friction and a two-stage expansion process that optimizes energy recovery at each stage to generate power and handle fluctuating pipeline conditions. A fully integrated skid provides the same functionality as a traditional pressure regulating valve.