Abstract: A method for use with a gas distribution system in which a higher pressure gas is transported/distributed and reduced to a lower pressure gas for a gas distribution or transmission line, the method comprising pre-heating the higher pressure gas before it is reduced in pressure, using an energy recovery generator to generate electricity using the pre-heated higher pressure gas while reducing the gas pressure to a lower gas pressure, using a fuel cell power plant to generates electricity while producing heat that is used to pre-heat high pressure gas, and combining the electrical outputs of the energy recovery generator and the fuel cell power plant to generate a combined electrical output. The method also comprises the fuel cell power plant making the waste heat available to the gas pre-heater without using a combustion unit thereby increasing the system's electrical efficiency.

Abstract: A fuel cell hybrid power generation system for use in a gas distribution system in which a higher pressure gas is transported/distributed and reduced to a lower pressure gas for a gas distribution or transmission line and a pre-heater is used to heat the higher pressure gas before it is reduced in pressure. The power generation system includes: (i) a fuel cell power plant that generates electricity while producing heat that is used to preheat high pressure gas; (ii) an energy recovery generator that uses the pre-heated higher pressure gas to generate electricity while reducing the gas pressure to a lower gas pressure; and (iii) an electrical assembly combining the electrical outputs of the energy recovery generator and the fuel cell power plant. The fuel cell power plant makes the waste heat available to the gas pre-heater without using a combustion unit thereby increasing the system's electrical efficiency.