Single-Trailer Gas Turbine Power Unit for Reduced Frac Site Footprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic fracturing operations face challenges such as large equipment footprints, high fuel consumption, and complex logistical needs, which require innovative solutions to minimize on-site footprint, increase mobility, and reduce environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A mobile electric power generation system using a single-trailer configuration, equipped with a gas turbine, generator, air intake and exhaust module, and a base frame that mounts and aligns all components, allowing for quick mobilization and operation at remote sites without external mechanical means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional multi-component power generation systems are used, then power generation capability is achieved, but on-site footprint and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gas turbine, generator, air intake system, and exhaust system into a single integrated trailer-mounted unit. This merging of previously separate components into one compact system directly reduces the on-site footprint while maintaining full power generation capability, directly addressing the technical contradiction between compactness and functional completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The single trailer unit performs multiple functions simultaneously: power generation, air intake, exhaust management, and self-mobilization. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate pieces of equipment into one universal platform, reducing both footprint and system complexity.
2Power
If traditional power generation systems are deployed, then adequate power is provided, but mobility and ease of operation decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the power generation system with the transport platform into a single trailer unit, the system achieves both adequate power capacity and improved mobility. The unified design eliminates the need for complex assembly and disassembly of separate components, enabling quick deployment and relocation while maintaining full power generation capability.
3Reliability
If comprehensive power generation equipment is used, then reliable power supply is ensured, but fuel consumption and energy use increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design optimizes the coupling between the gas turbine and generator within the single trailer unit, improving mechanical efficiency and reducing energy losses. The compact integration allows for better thermal management and reduced parasitic losses, converting the potential harm of compact design into benefits of improved energy efficiency while maintaining reliable power supply.
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 provides a compact, self-sufficient power generation solution that reduces on-site footprint, increases mobility, and enhances operational efficiency by minimizing fuel consumption and logistical complexities.
Implementation Method 1
a gas turbine
Implementation Method 2
a generator driven by the gas turbine
Data Source
AI summary
A power generation transport includes a gas turbine, an inlet plenum coupled to an intake of the gas turbine, a generator driven by the gas turbine, and an air intake and exhaust module including an air inlet filter housing, an intake air duct coupled to the housing at a first end and to the inlet plenum at a second end, and an exhaust collector coupled to an exhaust of the gas turbine. The transport further includes at least one base frame. The frame mounts and aligns the gas turbine, the inlet plenum, the generator, and the air intake and exhaust module. The intake air duct is mounted on the base frame so as to be disposed underneath the gas turbine, and extend along the base frame from an exhaust end side of the gas turbine to an intake end side, in a longitudinal direction of the power generation transport.