Dual-Mode Compression Station for Grid Resilience and Low Emissions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressor stations in gas pipelines face challenges in achieving high reliability and efficiency while reducing carbon emissions and integrating with the electric grid, particularly in remote locations with unreliable power sources.
Innovation Solution
A low emission compression station equipped with an electric motor driven compressor, auxiliary energy sources like renewable systems and energy storage, and a supervision system to manage energy distribution, allowing operation in dual mode with the electric grid or delivering power to it, and utilizing stored energy for uninterrupted power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated power generation island is used to operate separately from the electrical grid, then reliability is improved, but carbon emissions increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dedicated power generation capability with grid connection capability into a unified hybrid power system. The compression station can draw power from the grid when available and reliable, while maintaining the ability to operate independently using on-site gas turbines when the grid is unavailable or unreliable, thus reducing carbon emissions while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in grid-connected mode for normal operation, switch to island mode for independent operation when grid is unavailable, and provide backup power during grid failures. This multi-functional design reduces reliance on continuous dedicated power generation while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If auxiliary energy sources and energy storage systems are configured for dual mode operation, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic switching between different operational modes (grid-connected mode and island mode) based on real-time conditions such as grid availability, reliability, and cost. The supervision system continuously monitors these parameters and dynamically adjusts the operational configuration, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions while managing complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
A supervision system is implemented to monitor system variables including gas and energy costs, available storage capacity, and auxiliary energy sources capability. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically adjust its operation between dual modes based on real-time conditions, improving adaptability while managing complexity through centralized intelligent control.
3Use of energy by moving object
If variable-frequency drive is used for speed variation, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs variable-frequency drives to change the operating speed parameter of the compressor motor, allowing the compressor to operate at optimal efficiency points across different loading conditions. By adjusting the frequency and voltage supplied to the motor, the system achieves significant energy savings while the complexity is managed through the use of standardized VFD technology and integration with the overall control system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enhances reliability and reduces emissions by optimizing energy use, integrating renewable sources, and ensuring uninterrupted operation through energy management.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor driven compressor
Implementation Method 2
The use of a variable-frequency drive (VFD) enables speed variation
Implementation Method 3
compressor stations, which are typically arranged along the pipe-line at regular intervals
Implementation Method 4
By combining such compressors with gas turbines, the already stored gas can be used as the gas turbines' fuel to drive compressor
Data Source
AI summary
A low carbon emission compression station is disclosed. The compression sta¬tion is connected to a gas handling system and to an electric grid and comprises at least one electric motor driven compressor. Additionally, the compression station is con¬nected to auxiliary energy sources and energy storage devices, comprises a supervision system, and is configured to operate in dual mode, i.e. is configured to: use power from the electric grid to compress the gas in the gas handling system and/or store energy in excess into said energy storage devices; and/or exploit auxiliary energy sources and/or stored energy to compress the gas in the gas handling system and/or also to deliver energy in excess to the electric grid.