Kinetic energy transfer system and methods

Abstract

Systems, methods and apparatus for subjecting high-pressure fluids to a fluid flow assembly that generates or extracts work/energy using a work producing machine. Kinetic energy from the work producing machine is converted to electricity using a generator or similar apparatus.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for producing electricity, the method comprising:
 (a) subjecting a fluid from a subterranean formation to a first pressure;   (b) routing the fluid through a machine that generates energy in response to the flow of the pressurized fluid;   (c) converting a force from the flow of the pressurized fluid into work energy by a work producing machine; and   (d) repeating steps (a) through (c) using the fluid.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid comprises a gas or liquid. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the work producing machine comprises one of a gas turbine, a steam turbine machine, a wind turbine, a Tesla turbine, a Stirling engine, a piston and camshaft, a hydroelectric turbine, a water wheel, or any other energy conversion device. 
     
     
         4 . An apparatus adapted to exploit potential energy from the kinetic force of a fluid mass to produce electricity, the apparatus comprising:
 an inlet for receiving a pressurized fluid;   a kinetic energy recovery mechanism for converting the kinetic energy generated by the kinetic force of the pressurized fluid into rotary power; and   an outlet through which fluids are emitted after passing through the kinetic energy recovery mechanism.   
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the kinetic energy recovery mechanism comprises a stator and rotor for generating AC or DC electrical power. 
     
     
         6 . A system for treating raw wellhead gas to recover liquefiable, pressurized hydrocarbons therefrom and for using the pressurized hydrocarbon fluid flow to drive an electric generator and produce electric power, the system comprising:
 (a) means for routing or conveying raw wellhead gas at a first pressure;   (b) a pressure powered means for driving an electric generator for producing electric power;   (c) means for circulating the pressurized fluid through the pressure powered means capable of transferring the kinetic energy of the circulating fluid to the electric generator.   
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the wellhead gas is at a pressure ranging from about 100 psi to about 10,000 psi or above. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 6 , further comprising a separate energy recovery system along a fluid transmission line.