Low-Emission Compression Station Without a Power Generation Island
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compression stations in pipeline applications require dedicated power generation islands due to unreliable electric grids, leading to increased emissions, high capital and operational expenses, and inefficient gas turbine operation.
Innovation Solution
A low emission compression station integrating hybrid gas turbines with fuel cells and energy storage systems, controlled by an electrical supervision system, eliminating the need for a power generation island and optimizing energy use through load management and renewable sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated power generation island with full redundancy is implemented, then reliability is improved, but capital expenses and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power generation function with the compression function by integrating a gas turbine that serves dual purposes: driving the compressor and generating electricity for auxiliary systems. This eliminates the need for a separate dedicated power generation island while maintaining full redundancy through the same turbine unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas turbine is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical power to drive the compressor and generates electrical power for auxiliary systems. This multi-functional approach replaces the traditional separate systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If two gas turbine trains in full redundancy are operated at 50% load, then reliability is improved, but efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gas turbine operates continuously at optimal load levels, driving the compressor without interruption. The electrical power for auxiliary systems is generated continuously from the same turbine, eliminating the need for standby turbines operating at partial load and thereby maintaining high efficiency while ensuring continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the compression drive and power generation functions into a single gas turbine system, the patent eliminates the need for redundant standby turbines. The single turbine operates at full capacity, maximizing efficiency while the integrated design ensures that failure of this one system would affect both functions simultaneously, which is acceptable since the turbine itself provides the redundancy through its dual-function capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a power generation island is located far from the compression station, then safety is improved, but infrastructure costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power generation and compression functions into a single integrated system located at the compression station site. The gas turbine is positioned to directly drive the compressor while generating electrical power locally, eliminating the need for separate power generation islands and the associated high-tension electrical infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power generation function from the separate power generation island and integrates it directly with the compression system. This extraction and reintegration eliminates the need for distant location and complex infrastructure while maintaining safety through proper design of the integrated system.
4Reliability
If gas turbines are used to drive compressors, then reliability is improved, but carbon emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful carbon emissions from gas turbine operation into a beneficial outcome by using the electrical power generated to replace even more carbon-intensive applications. The integrated system ensures that the electricity generated is used efficiently for auxiliary systems, and the overall system efficiency is maximized, thereby reducing the total carbon footprint compared to separate systems or alternative power sources.
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
Reduces carbon emissions, lowers capital and operational expenses, and enhances efficiency by ensuring uninterrupted power supply without reliance on external power grids.
Implementation Method 1
the electric machine being coupled with at least one fuel cell
Implementation Method 2
at least one mechanical drive gas turbine
Implementation Method 3
the gas turbine supplies energy to the load as well
Data Source
AI summary
A low emission compression station comprising one or more compressors, each compressor being coupled with an electric machine, the electric machine being coupled with at least one mechanical drive gas turbine and/or at least one fuel cell, wherein the electric machine and/or the mechanical drive gas turbines and/or the fuel cells are sized to comply with both process needs and electric loads and are controlled by a supervision system. In case electric machines are coupled with mechanical drive gas turbines, hybrid gas turbines can be used.