Abstract
This paper describes the design of three unique
thermoelectric generators developed to supply electric power in
natural gas fields. The unique feature of these generators is that
they do not contain their own heat source but all convert the
waste heat produced by equipment already used in the gas field
as the thermal power source for the generators.
The first generator described uses the difference in
temperature between the hot and cold legs of the glycol natural
gas dehydrator cycle to produce power for cathodic protection
of the well. The second system uses waste heat from the pilot
light of the gas dehydrator boiler to produce power for
electronic instruments. The third system used waste heat from
the gas dehydrator boiler stack to provide power for instruments,
communications, and other uses around the well site.
The description of these generators includes both
photographs ofthe prototype units and performance curves from
each of the generators. Each generator has unique features and
advantages which are discussed in the paper.