Systems and methods for using multiple cryogenic hydraulic turbines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large natural gas liquefaction projects face significant commercial risk due to high initial capital costs and inefficiencies in cost and schedule management, necessitating improvements in design and operational efficiency to reduce costs and enhance reliability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple cryogenic hydraulic turbines in series or series-parallel configurations within LNG plants, allowing for the bypass of failed turbines while maintaining constant electrical output, pressure, and flow rate, and the use of an automated control system to manage turbine failures and synchronize generator frequencies with the grid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cryogenic hydraulic turbines are implemented in series or series-parallel configurations, then operational reliability is improved by allowing bypass of failed turbines, but device complexity increases due to multiple turbines and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the turbine function into multiple independent turbine units arranged in series or series-parallel configurations. Each turbine can be independently bypassed through valve arrangements, allowing the system to maintain operation with reduced capacity when one turbine fails, thereby improving reliability without requiring complete system shutdown
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts valve positions and turbine configurations based on operational conditions and failure states. The automated control system monitors turbine performance and automatically reroutes flow through alternative paths when failures occur, maintaining adaptability and reliability while managing the complexity of multiple turbine units
2Ease of operation
If automated control system is used to manage turbine failures and synchronize generator frequencies, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated control system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment functions, automatically detecting turbine failures and rerouting flow paths without requiring manual intervention. The system synchronizes generator frequencies and manages load distribution autonomously, improving ease of operation while the complexity is managed through integrated control architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors turbine performance parameters, generator frequencies, and flow conditions, using feedback signals to automatically adjust valve positions and turbine configurations. This closed-loop control manages the complexity of multiple turbines by coordinating their operation based on real-time system state
3Power
If multiple turbines are used in series configuration, then pressure reduction and electricity generation are improved, but loss of time increases due to sequential processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a purely sequential series arrangement to a series-parallel hybrid configuration, adding a spatial dimension to the turbine arrangement. This allows multiple turbines to process flow simultaneously in parallel branches while still achieving cumulative pressure reduction, thereby reducing the time loss associated with strictly sequential processing while maintaining electricity generation capability
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 approach enhances the operational reliability and efficiency of LNG plants by allowing continuous electricity generation and LNG production even with turbine failures, reducing the need for redundant equipment and lowering costs through efficient management of turbine failures and optimized energy use.
Implementation Method 1
Hydraulic turbine pressure drop can often be used in LNG processes to remove energy from liquid refrigerant streams and liquid natural gas streams to obtain lower temperatures
Implementation Method 2
The decrease in pressure assists in cooling the natural gas during the liquefaction process by decreasing the enthalpy of the natural gas
Implementation Method 3
The decrease in pressure assists in cooling the natural gas during the liquefaction process by decreasing the enthalpy of the natural gas
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a system and method for producing liquefied natural gas (LNG). An exemplary method includes flowing a high-pressure stream of LNG through a first series of liquid turbines. The exemplary method also includes generating electricity by reducing the pressure of the high-pressure stream of LNG to form a low-pressure stream of LNG. The exemplary method additionally includes bypassing any one the liquid turbines that has a failure while continuing to produce electricity from the first series.