Integrated power generation and compression train, and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine engine systems for mechanical drive and power generation require two electric machines, leading to inefficiencies, increased space requirements, and reduced availability due to the need for spare machines in offshore applications.
Innovation Solution
An integrated power generation and load driving system utilizing a multi-shaft gas turbine engine with a high-pressure turbine mechanically coupled to an air compressor and a low-pressure turbine fluidly coupled but mechanically separated, allowing for a single electric generator and compressor to operate at constant speed, eliminating the need for a variable frequency driver and reducing the system's footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two electric machines (electric generator and electric motor) are used to drive the compressor, then the system can operate with flexible speed control, but the overall efficiency is reduced due to conversion losses and the space footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the electric motor from the system. Instead of using two electric machines (generator and motor), the system uses a single electric generator directly coupled to the gas turbine, with the turbine mechanically driving the compressor. This removes the mechanical-to-electrical-and-back-to-mechanical conversion chain, eliminating the associated energy losses while maintaining speed control flexibility through direct mechanical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of the electric generator and electric motor into a single direct-drive configuration. The gas turbine is directly coupled to both the electric generator and the compressor through a common shaft, combining power generation and compression functions into one integrated mechanical drive system, thereby eliminating conversion losses and reducing equipment count.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two electric machines are used in the system, then speed control is achievable, but the system footprint and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the electric motor from the system configuration. By eliminating this component and using direct mechanical coupling between the gas turbine and compressor, the physical space required for mounting, cooling, and maintenance of the motor is removed, thereby reducing the overall system footprint while retaining speed control capability through the turbine's mechanical drive.
3Power
If two electric machines are used, then the system can meet power requirements, but the availability is reduced due to increased failure points and need for spare machines
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the second electric machine (the motor) from the power transmission chain. By using direct mechanical coupling from the gas turbine to the compressor, the system reduces the number of rotating electrical components from two to one, thereby reducing failure points and the need for spare machines while maintaining adequate power transmission capability through the mechanical drive.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a variable frequency driver is used to control motor speed, then the compressor can operate at required rotational speeds, but the system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the variable frequency driver from the system by eliminating the electric motor. Speed control is achieved directly through the gas turbine's mechanical drive system, which inherently provides flexible rotational speed control through fuel flow and valve adjustments, thereby eliminating the need for complex electrical speed control equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
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
This configuration enhances system efficiency, reduces space requirements, and increases availability by eliminating the need for spare machines, while maintaining flexibility to adapt to process requirements without changing the rotation speed of the electric generator.
Implementation Method 1
a high-pressure turbine, mechanically coupled to an air compressor of a gas generator of said multi-shaft gas turbine engine
Implementation Method 2
a low-pressure turbine, fluidly coupled to but mechanically separated from the high-pressure turbine and mechanically coupled to an output power shaft
Implementation Method 3
an electric generator, mechanically coupled to the shaft line and driven into rotation by the gas turbine engine
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an integrated power generation and load driving system, comprising in combination a multi-shaft gas turbine engine comprising a high-pressure turbine mechanically coupled to an air compressor; and a low-pressure turbine, fluidly coupled to but mechanically separated from the high-pressure turbine and mechanically coupled to an output power shaft wherein the output power shaft is connected to a shaft line an electric generator, mechanically coupled to the shaft line and driven into rotation by the gas turbine engine a rotating load, mechanically coupled to the shaft line and driven into rotation by the gas turbine engine a load control arrangement, configured for controlling at least one operating parameter of the rotating load to adapt the operating condition of the rotating load to process requirements from a process, whereof the rotating load forms part, while the low-pressure turbine and the electric generator rotate at a substantially constant speed.