The creation of energy-saving turbogenerators is an essential component of the development of small energy systems. The gradual growth of interest in distributed electricity generation necessitates the constant improvement of these units. Moreover, they implement a more environmentally friendly generation method than when using microturbine units that use fuel to carry out the work process. Nowadays, turbogenerators are created based on different types of expansion machines, which have their advantages and disadvantages, given in this article. Compared to competitors, vortex expansion machines have good prospects and the necessary potential to expand their research and produce turbogenerators. An experimental vortex expansion machine with a peripheral-lateral channel and ability to change the geometric parameters of its flowing part was created to meet these needs. Experimental studies of the machine were performed on a special stand with air as a working fluid. As a result of the tests, the data were successfully obtained and processed. They are presented in the form of tables and graphical dependencies. The nature of the influence of thermodynamic parameters and geometric parameters of the flow part on the efficiency of the vortex expansion machine and turbogenerator based on it to further improve and create new turbogenerators is clarified.

Labyrinth seals are widely used in centrifugal compressors, turbines, and many other pneumatic systems due to their simplicity of design, reliability, and low cost. The calculation scheme for the movement of the working medium in a labyrinth seal is constructed by analogy with the movement of the working medium through holes with a sharp edge. Annular and flat slots, holes, and such a factor as the shaft rotation with a calculated sector of 3 degrees were studied. The purpose of the study is to determine the flow coefficient when the working medium flows through slots of various shapes. To achieve this purpose, modeling of the working medium flow in the FlowVision software was performed. The mass flow and flow coefficients are determined for the studied slot shapes. The convergence of the calculation results was determined by comparing the values of the mass flow rate at the inlet and outlet of the slot. Differences in visualizations of the flow for the studied variants of slots were established. The resulting difference should be taken into account in practical calculations of the working medium mass flow through the slot using a conditional flow rate factor which is determined by the slot design.

At gas distribution stations (GDSs), the process of throttling (pressure reduction) of natural gas occurs on gas pressure regulators without generating useful energy. If the gas expansion process is created in a turbine, to the shaft where an electric generator is connected, then electricity can be obtained. At the same time, the recycling of secondary energy resources is provided, which is an important component in the efficient use of natural resources. The obtained electric power can be supplied to the external power grid and/or used for the GDS’s own needs. The process of generating electricity at the GDS from gas overpressure energy is an environmentally friendly, energy-saving technology that ensures an uninterrupted, autonomous operation of the GDS in the absence of an external energy supply. The power needs of a GDS with regard to electricity are relatively small (5 $÷$ 20 kW). Expansion in throttling devices or turbine flow paths leads to gas cooling with a possible hydrate formation. It is prevented via gas preheating or vortex expansion equipment that keeps the further gas temperature at a necessary level. Turbogenerators can be created on the basis of vortex expansion turbomachines, which have many advantages compared to turbomachines of other types. This article studies how gas pressure (outlet: gas distribution station) and gas preheating (inlet: vortex expansion machine) influence turbogenerator parameters. Nine turbogenerator variants for the power needs of gas distribution stations have been assessed.

Dimensionless and criterial complexes are successfully used in many technical fields. They play an important role in research and design. There are a large number of dimensionless and criterial complexes, which have their advantages and are chosen depending on the topic and specific objectives of the study. The article considers dimensionless and criterial complexes most often used in studies of turbomachines, in particular vortex expansion machines - relative internal (isoentropic) efficiency, degree of pressure drop, adjusted wheel speed, speed coefficient, adjusted diameter, flow factor and coefficient. The authors processed the data of the experimental study of the turbogenerator with a peripheral-side channel and presented them in the form of graphical dependences using these complexes. The improvement of these energy-saving turbogenerators is important because they are used to generate electricity from excess gas pressure, are considered environmentally friendly and are needed for the development of distributed energy. Vortex expansion machines with a peripheral-lateral channel are also poorly understood, so the topic is relevant. In this study, their area of use was determined and reflected in the ns - Ds diagram among radial and other vortex expansion turbomachines to facilitate their comparison and design.