Low carbon emission compression station with dual use capabilities

Abstract

A low carbon emission compression station is disclosed, the compression station being connected to a gas processing system and an electrical grid and comprising at least one electric motor driven compressor, the compression station being connected to an auxiliary energy source and an energy storage device, comprising a monitoring system, and configured to operate in a dual mode, i.e., to use power from the electrical grid to compress gas in the gas processing system and / or store excess energy in the energy storage device, and / or to utilize the auxiliary energy source and / or the stored energy to compress gas in the gas processing system and / or deliver excess energy to the electrical grid.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to improvements in compressor stations, typically used in gas pipelines and storage, that can improve overall system efficiency by reducing carbon emissions. In particular, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to compressor stations that include electric motor-driven compressors with supplemental renewable and energy storage systems, in a location and size that can achieve highly optimized integration between the electric grid and the gas infrastructure. [Background technology]

[0002] It is well known that natural gas is extracted from deep underground rock formations and needs to be transported to end users. Where possible or economically feasible, pipelines and underground gas storage systems are commonly used to transport and store natural gas. To offset pressure losses during transportation, pipelines typically require compressor stations located along the pipeline at regular intervals. These compressors must operate with high reliability and availability. In particular, since pipelines may extend over long distances and compressor stations may be located in remote locations, where there is no electrical grid or, even if an electrical grid is available, such an electrical grid is unreliable, compressor stations generally include dedicated power generation islands to power auxiliary systems, allowing the compressor stations to operate off the electrical grid or even when the electrical grid is not operational. It is also known that to ensure the operation of these compressors, compressor stations often include auxiliary energy sources and / or auxiliary energy storage systems. For example, seasonal variations in gas demand can result in excess gas being drawn from the pipeline, compressed, stored, and then removed from gas storage facilities during peak demand periods. By combining such a compressor with a gas turbine, the already stored gas can be used as fuel for the gas turbine to drive the compressor and ensure the necessary operability of the compressor.

[0003] It is also known from the prior art that compressor stations for pipeline applications, as well as other rotating equipment for applications in the oil and gas industry, can be conveniently driven by electric motors connected to the electric grid. The use of variable-frequency drives (VFDs) allows speed variation with maximum efficiency over the entire operating range, thereby reducing power consumption. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Therefore, an improved compressor station that can achieve a high degree of integration between the gas pipeline and the electric network would be welcomed in this field, increasing the reliability of the compressor station. Moreover, this kind of improved compressor station would enable decarbonization by reducing emissions and reducing electricity consumption. More specifically, a compressor station with an auxiliary energy source and / or an auxiliary energy storage system designed to operate in a dual mode, alternatively utilizing electricity from the electric grid to compress the gas in the pipeline and storing the excess energy in the energy storage system, or utilizing renewable sources and stored energy to compress the gas in the pipeline and also deliver the excess energy to the electric grid, would be welcomed, improving flexibility and reliability.

[0005] In one aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to a low-emission compression station comprising an electric motor driven compressor along with an auxiliary energy source and energy storage system, including possible integration with a battery pack, where the integration between different sources and loads is controlled / monitored by a monitoring system depending on variables including gas and / or energy costs, available storage capacity, and capabilities of the auxiliary energy source.

[0006] In another aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to a low-emission compression station, which is complemented with auxiliary energy sources such as renewable sources (e.g., solar panels or wind turbines), fuel cells, electrolyzers, and energy storage devices such as batteries and gas storage units, to enable the low-emission compression station, when integrated with an external electric grid, to operate in a dual mode, either consuming power from or supplying power to the electric grid, according to varying overall conditions of the electric grid, such as seasonal variations in gas demand.

[0007] In yet another aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to a low-emission compression station in which a monitoring system is configured to manage all energy sources (batteries, emergency, renewable sources) in order to align them with each other.

[0008] In yet another aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to a low emissions compression station in which a monitoring system is configured to manage load shedding. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] A complete understanding of the disclosed embodiments of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a low-emission compression station according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a low-emission compression station according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a low-emission compression station according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a low-emission compression station according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Referring to FIG. 1 , a low emission compression station according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an electric motor driven compressor (referenced with numeral 10) with an energy storage system 11 including one or more of, for example, a battery pack, a battery energy storage system (BESS), a liquid air energy storage (LAES), a compressed air energy storage (CAES), a hydrogen storage device, etc., and an oil and gas compression station equipment auxiliary system 12, which is sized and controlled / monitored by a monitoring system 13 to ensure a complete uninterrupted power supply to the compression station by managing the availability of electric energy generated / stored by other components of the compression station.

[0011] 1 also shows one or more renewable power systems 14, power generation islands 15, and, according to the present disclosure, an emergency power generation island 16. The renewable power systems 14, power generation islands 15, and emergency power generation islands 16 are also controlled / monitored by the monitoring system 13.

[0012] In particular, during the day or night or throughout the day and night, the renewable energy system 14 can supply renewable power to the electric compressor 10, with excess power being stored in the energy storage system 11. The power island 15 can include one or more gas turbines to generate power by combustion of natural gas or renewable gas, and such power is used to operate the electric compressor 10 overnight.

[0013] In particular, the solution according to the present disclosure utilizes renewable electricity to decarbonize the compression, i.e. to compress the gas of the gas processing system with simultaneous reduction of CO2. Furthermore, the solution according to the present disclosure allows the gas processing system to be equipped with compression, transportation, injection and storage devices.

[0014] FIG. 2 shows a low emission compression station according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The system configuration comprises an electric motor driven compressor 20 and associated electric machines including an oil and gas compression station equipment auxiliary system 22, one or more renewable power systems 24, a power generation island 25, and an emergency power generation island 26, which is optional according to the present disclosure. The above-mentioned components are controlled / monitored by a monitoring system 23 to ensure a complete uninterrupted power supply to the compressor station. In this embodiment, the energy storage system is configured as a hydrogen storage system 21, which is composed of an electrolyzer 211 for producing hydrogen, a compressor 212 and a storage tank 213, and a connection to a gas processing system 214, where the hydrogen can be optionally blended with natural gas. The hydrogen from the hydrogen storage tank 213 is supplied to the turbine of the power generation island 25, optionally as a blend with natural gas. The hydrogen sent to the gas processing system via connection 214, optionally mixed with natural gas, can also be used to operate the turbine of the power generation island 25. Combustion of a blend consisting of hydrogen together with natural gas also contributes to reducing the production of CO2.

[0015] FIG. 3 shows a low-emission compression station according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. The system configuration comprises an electric motor-driven compressor 30 and associated electric machines including a hydrogen storage system 31, an oil and gas compression station equipment auxiliary system 32, one or more renewable energy systems 34, a power generation island 35, and an emergency power generation island 36, which are controlled / monitored by an electrical monitoring system 33 to ensure a complete uninterrupted power supply to the compressor station. The power generation island 35 includes a fuel cell 37 (such as a solid oxide fuel cell). The hydrogen storage system 31 consists of an electrolyzer 311, a compressor 312, a storage tank 313, and a connection to a gas processing system 314, where hydrogen can be optionally blended with natural gas. The turbine and fuel cell 37 of the power generation island 35 are supplied with hydrogen from the hydrogen storage tank 313 and / or with hydrogen or natural gas or a mixture of hydrogen and natural gas from the gas processing system 314.

[0016] FIG. 4 shows a low-emission compression station according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. The system configuration comprises an electric motor driven compressor 40 and associated electric machines including a hydrogen storage system 41, an oil and gas compression station equipment auxiliary system 42, one or more renewable energy systems 44, a power generation island 45, and an emergency power generation island 46, which are controlled / monitored by a monitoring system 43 to ensure a complete uninterrupted power supply to the compressor station. The power generation island 35 comprises a fuel cell 47 (such as a solid oxide fuel cell). The hydrogen storage system 41 comprises an electrolyzer 411, a compressor 412, a storage tank 413, and a connection to a pipeline 414. The fuel cell 47 is supplied with hydrogen from the hydrogen storage tank 413 and / or with hydrogen or natural gas or a mixture of hydrogen and natural gas from a gas processing system 414.

[0017] While the present invention has been described with respect to various specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, changes, and omissions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.

[0018] In addition, unless otherwise specified herein, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or rearranged according to alternative embodiments.

[0019] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided as an explanation of the present disclosure, not as a limitation of the disclosure. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. References throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" or "some embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" or "in some embodiments" in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0020] When presenting elements of various embodiments, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

Claims

1. 1. A low carbon emissions gas compression station connected to a gas processing system and to an electrical grid, comprising: - at least one electric motor driven compressor, - also connected to an auxiliary energy source and an energy storage device, - equipped with a surveillance system; - configured to operate in dual mode, i.e. - using power from the electrical grid to compress gas in the gas processing system and / or to store energy in the energy storage device; and / or - A low carbon emission gas compression station configured to utilize auxiliary energy sources and / or stored energy to compress gas within the gas processing system and / or to supply energy to the electrical grid.

2. The low carbon emission compression station of claim 1 , wherein the monitoring system is configured to balance loads with different sources depending on available storage capacity and capabilities of auxiliary energy sources.

3. 3. The low emissions compression station of claim 2, wherein the monitoring system is configured to balance different sources and loads depending on gas and / or energy costs.

4. 10. The low emissions compression station of claim 1, wherein the gas processing system comprises compression, transportation, injection, and storage equipment.

5. The low emissions compression station of claim 1 , wherein the supplemental energy source comprises one or more of a power generating island, a renewable source, a fuel cell, and energy storage.

6. The low emissions compression station of claim 5 , wherein the power generating island includes one or more gas turbines.

7. The low emission compression station of claim 5 , wherein the renewable source comprises a solar panel or a wind turbine.

8. The energy storage device may be a battery pack (or BESS), ２ 10. The low emission compression station of claim 1, comprising a storage system, a liquefied air energy storage device (LAES) and a compressed air energy storage device (CAES).

9. A low emission compression station according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which an emergency power generation system is present.

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