FIELD: energy conversion systems. SUBSTANCE: recovery of energy of natural gas expansion at its pressure reduction from high to required value is done by conversion of energy of natural gas expansion into mechanical energy with use of natural gas cooled at pressure reduction as coolant for generation of cold. Natural gas pressure is reduced in two or more successive steps simultaneously with conversion of natural gas expansion energy into mechanical energy at each step. At least part on natural gas, after first and/or corresponding subsequent step of natural gas pressure reduction is used as coolant for generation of cold. other part of natural gas after first and/or corresponding subsequent step of natural gas pressure reduction, or all natural gas used as coolant, are used for subsequent conversion of natural gas expansion energy into mechanical energy. EFFECT: increased total efficiency. 3 dwg
