1) GENERATING POWER FROM NATURAL GAS PRESSURE DROPS

ZERO EMISSIONS OPERATION OFF-GRID POWER

Spherical Rotors is pioneering technology that captures waste energy from pressure changes in natural gas pipelines and converts it into electricity. This innovation enhances operational competitiveness while reducing emissions. The expander is designed to independently manage pressure fluctuations and provide full flow control, positioning it as the world’s first power-generating gas control valve! Zero emissions operation electricity production is expected across a wide range of natural gas sites operated by producers, pipeline and utility companies.

Natural gas sites, unlike hydro-electric dams, typically face challenges converting pressure to electricity. Electrically operated valves meet emissions goals and comply with new regulatory requirements which prohibit venting natural gas to operate valves. However, a gas site requiring 500W typically doesn’t have enough economic capacity or space for solar photovoltaic panels with sufficient battery backup to accommodate intermittent solar. Instead, gas is typically burned at less than a 3% efficiency for site power. Spherical Rotors’ patented rotary valveless technology is a bit like a screw compressor/expander, expect with a higher expected pressure rating, efficiency and adaptability to reliably generate the electricity required.

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PROJECT SUPPORT

The team is honored to receive generous support from individuals, industry and government to progressively de-risk our technology, reimagining what is possible! Successful completion of testing in a simulated environment will establish the operational confidence needed to advance to field pilot testing at committed producer and utility sites.

We're excited to advance our patented zero-emissions operation expander with support from NGIF Accelerator and four leading industry project partners; Birchcliff Energy Ltd., ATCO, Apex Utilities Inc., and ARC Resources Ltd. In recognition of the innovation, Spherical Rotors was awarded $102,500 from the NGIF Accelerator.

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We also extend our sincere thanks and well-deserved recognition to Alberta Innovates, the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), the Innovation Asset Collective (IAC), ElevateIP Alberta, the ANSYS Startup Program, Exergy Solutions and Deltatee Enterprises for their invaluable support on our project!

Spherical Rotors is committed to delivering high quality products that are proven to be reliable in their respective applications. Ansys® software helps us to get early insights to mitigate these risks. Our formal IP strategy was completed with support from ElevateIP Alberta; it is a dynamic plan to grow and protect IP rights in jurisdictions that align with our commercialization strategy. Support from the IAC towards our IP insurance, IP understanding and growing IP rights (e.g. patent portfolio and trade secrets) preserves options for our future commercial applications while we focus on progressively de-risking our technology. This technology development has been accelerated with support from the NRC IRAP and Alberta Innovates. Support from Exergy Solutions and Deltatee Enterprises includes mechanical and electrical/electronics engineering, respectively. Thank you!

CALL TO ACTION

Please help us grow our network!

Selling the first product in expander mode (power generation) is our primary goal and the power requirements and site conditions vary widely across the natural gas sector.
As early as 2029, regulations may prohibit existing sites from venting natural gas to operate existing pneumatic valves. Understanding the market potential for the same first product in compressor mode is important. Example uses are to recapture vented natural gas or provide compressed air for a zero-emissions operation alternative. Understanding the market potential at 500W per unit for Vapor Recovery Units (VRUs) to capture otherwise vented natural gas at tanks is also of interest.

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2) POTENTIAL FOLLOW-UP APPLICATIONS

COMPRESSOR, EXPANDER, PUMP & CONTROL VALVE APPLICATIONS ACROSS GLOBAL MARKETS

Spherical Rotors is focused on the successful development and commercialization of the first product. This includes implementing the product across various types of natural gas sites as well as expanding sales across various jurisdictions.

However, the technology is scalable and can be used across a wide range of compressor, expander, pump and control valve applications spanning global markets. For example, advanced heat pumps may reduce driving range loss in electric vehicles and reduce emissions from heating both buildings and pipelines.