Offshore Power Plant Vertical Stacking for Deck Space Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floating power generation systems face challenges in scaling up power output while meeting low emissions norms and managing LNG storage and fuel requirements, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement of gas turbines and steam turbines in a compact vertical configuration on a floating vessel, with gas turbines driven by regasified LNG and steam turbines powered by exhaust heat, allows for increased power output without expanding vessel size, optimizing LNG storage and reducing deck space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the power generation system is upscaled to provide higher power outputs, then the power output increases, but the vessel size and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal arrangement to vertical stacking of power generation equipment. Gas turbines are positioned on the deck while steam turbines are arranged vertically below them in the hull, utilizing the third dimension (height/depth) to accommodate additional equipment without increasing deck footprint or vessel length, thereby increasing power output without proportionally increasing vessel size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where steam turbines are positioned within the hull space directly below the gas turbines on the deck. This nested configuration allows the steam turbines to utilize the vertical space beneath the gas turbine structures, effectively nesting one system within the spatial envelope of another, thereby maximizing equipment density without increasing overall vessel dimensions
2Power
If more power generation equipment is installed to increase power output, then the power output increases, but the deck space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the deck space constraint by moving the steam turbines from the deck level to the hull interior, utilizing vertical space below the deck. This dimensional transition allows the deck to be dedicated to gas turbines and access areas, while the steam turbines occupy the vertical volume beneath, thereby increasing power generation capacity without expanding deck footprint
3Power
If LNG storage capacity is increased to support larger power plant, then the power output can increase, but the plot space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking to separate fuel storage and power generation functions in the vertical dimension. LNG tanks are positioned in the lower hull while gas turbines occupy the deck and steam turbines are positioned below them. This vertical arrangement allows dense packing of both storage and generation equipment within the same horizontal footprint, enabling increased power output without proportionally increasing plot space
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 the efficiency of the power generation system, enabling higher power outputs while maintaining efficient LNG storage and reducing the need for larger vessels, thus addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The steam turbine is driven by pressurized steam that is produced by a steam production unit using exhaust heat from the one or more gas turbines
Data Source
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AI summary
A floating vessel equipped with a power plant includes a hull and a process deck arranged on a portion of the hull above compartments within the hull. The power plant includes a fuel source and at least one electrical power generator driven by a gas turbine; the fuel source arranged for providing fuel to the gas turbine. Per gas turbine, the floating vessel is equipped with a steam production unit coupled to the gas turbine exhaust for receiving heat to produce pressurized steam. Per each steam production unit, the floating vessel is equipped with at least one secondary power generator driven by a steam turbine, which is coupled to the steam production unit for receiving steam. Each gas turbine and steam production unit are positioned on the process deck, and each secondary power generator and steam turbine are positioned under the process deck in the one or more compartments.