Mobile Gas Turbine Power Layout for Low-Footprint Fracturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic fracturing operations require extensive equipment, labor, fuel, and logistical challenges, necessitating improvements in efficiency and environmental impact reduction.
Innovation Solution
A mobile electric power generation system using a gas turbine generator transport with side-mounted inlet and exhaust components, coupled with a dual shaft electric prime mover for fracturing pumps, and a control network system for remote operation, minimizing site footprint and environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional fracturing equipment is used, then power generation capability is sufficient, but equipment footprint and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a mobile power generation unit with gas turbine and generator, a fracturing pump unit, and an inlet/exhaust transport unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces the overall footprint at any given location while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A control network system acts as an intermediary between the power generation unit and fracturing equipment, enabling remote operation and coordination. This allows the power generation unit to be positioned separately from the fracturing pumps while maintaining efficient power delivery through controlled electrical connections.
2Ease of operation
If mobile power generation is used, then equipment mobility is improved, but power generation capacity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile power generation system uses a gas turbine engine that can dynamically adjust its operating parameters to meet varying power demands. The system transitions between transportation mode and operational mode, with the power generation capacity being optimized during operation while maintaining mobility during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters between transport and operation states. During operation, the gas turbine operates at optimized power generation settings with connected inlet and exhaust systems, while during transport, the system is configured for mobility with reduced operational complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If side-mounted inlet and exhaust components are used, then equipment footprint is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting inlet and exhaust components on the top surface (two-dimensional arrangement), the system uses side-mounted components that utilize the vertical and lateral dimensions more efficiently. This three-dimensional spatial arrangement reduces the horizontal footprint while distributing components along the sides of the transport unit.
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
Enhances mobility and efficiency of fracturing operations by reducing equipment footprint, enabling rapid deployment and recovery, and providing cleaner power generation.
Implementation Method 1
a gas turbine generator transport that comprises an inlet plenum and an exhaust collector
Implementation Method 2
a gas turbine generator transport that comprises an inlet plenum and an exhaust collector and an inlet and exhaust transport coupled to the gas turbine generator transport
Data Source
AI summary
Providing mobile electric power comprising a power generation transport configured to convert hydrocarbon fuel to electricity and an inlet and exhaust transport configured to: couple to at least one side of the power generation transport such that the inlet and exhaust transport is not connected to a top side of the power generation transport, provide ventilation air and combustion air to the power generation transport, collect exhaust air from the power generation transport, and filter the exhaust air.