Rig Power Control with Energy Storage for Genset Idling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Oilfield operations rely heavily on gensets, which consume large amounts of fuel and often idle to maintain power availability, resulting in inefficient fuel usage.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple gensets, a load, a controller, and a power storage unit that monitors and manages power consumption by calculating the necessary number of gensets to run and storing excess power for later use, optimizing fuel consumption and reducing idling time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gensets are set to idle to maintain power availability, then power availability is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of power requirements based on the drill plan before operations begin. The controller pre-determines which gensets should be running at any given time based on scheduled tasks, eliminating the need to idle gensets unnecessarily while ensuring power availability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors actual power consumption and compares it with the drill plan requirements. The controller adjusts genset operation in real-time based on feedback from power consumption sensors and task completion status, optimizing fuel usage while maintaining reliable power supply.
2Power
If more gensets are run to meet peak power demands, then power supply capability is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates peak power demands in advance based on the drill plan and schedules genset startup accordingly. Only the necessary number of gensets are started before peak demand periods, avoiding the need to run excess gensets continuously and reducing overall fuel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of running gensets based on real-time power demands and task requirements. The controller can start or stop gensets as needed, optimizing the balance between power supply capability and fuel consumption rather than maintaining a fixed number of running gensets.
3Use of energy by moving object
If gensets are shut down to reduce fuel consumption, then fuel efficiency is improved, but power availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the drill plan to predict future power requirements and schedules genset shutdowns in advance during periods of low or no power demand. This ensures fuel efficiency is improved while power availability is maintained during critical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors task completion status and power consumption patterns to determine optimal times to shut down gensets. Feedback from the system ensures that gensets are only shut down when power availability will not be compromised, balancing fuel efficiency with operational reliability.
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
The system effectively manages genset operation to minimize fuel wastage by ensuring only necessary gensets are running and utilizing stored power when needed, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a power storage unit operatively coupled to one or more of the gensets and being configured to receive power from one or more of the gensets and to store the power for later use
Data Source
AI summary
A system for monitoring and optimizing fuel consumption by a genset at an oil rig is described. Gensets require large amounts of fuel to initiate and to maintain in a standby, idling position. The system accesses data in a drill plan to determine the present and future power requirements and initiates gensets if needed; otherwise gensets can be shut down. Excess power can be stored in a power storage unit such as a capacitor, battery, or a liquid air energy storage unit.