"Returnee" - Pressure control valve with integrated radial expansion turbine

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Project description - Contact person - Cooperation / Funding

In almost all gas pressure regulating and measuring stations (GPRM), pressure is controlled by gas pressure regulating valves, which reduce the inlet pressure to the desired outlet pressure by means of throttling. These systems hold considerable potential for energy conversion, which is to be tapped into in this project.

The innovative approach consists of integrating a radial turbine including a generator into the pressure regulator. The actuator of the control valve simultaneously controls the turbine (partial pressurisation). The new combination of pressure regulator and turbomachine represents a significant advance: Such a combination of both assemblies as a construction unit has not yet been realised.

In addition, our project pursues an interdisciplinary transfer approach in which findings from research on turbomachines are applied in the field of pressure regulator construction - and vice versa. The close cooperation between W2 Armaturen GmbH (W2) and the Department of Fluid Technology (FG FT) enables a direct exchange between industry and research institutions, which promotes the development of technological innovations.

The already proven cooperation between W2 and FG FT is based on the results and competences of past scientific research and thus forms a reliable basis for future-oriented developments in the field of pressure control technology.

Collaborative project with W2 Armaturen GmbH as part Module 1 of the DATIpilot funding guideline:

In July 2023, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) published the DATIpilot funding guideline containing two modules: Innovation Sprints (Module 1) and Innovation Communities (Module2). DATIpilot aims to simplify and accelerate funding processes. The programme also acts as an experimental space and a repository of experience and ideas for improved federal transfer and innovation funding.

A total of around 300 innovation sprints are being funded. At the DATIpilot Roadshow between November 2023 and February 2024, almost 600 individual players or teams presented their ideas in five-minute pitches. At each of the 23 events, the participants themselves chose which projects should receive funding. This way, Returnee was directly selected for funding along with 152 other innovation sprints. For all others, there was a second chance in the lottery procedure, in which a further 147 projects were drawn.

The projects address a wide range of topics: The focus is on AI/machine learning, medical technology/pharmaceuticals and healthcare and social services. Around 20 per cent of the projects focus on social innovations.

Further information
www.bmbf.de/datipilot