Single-Trailer Gas Turbine Power Layout for Reduced Frac Footprint
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic fracturing operations require extensive equipment, labor, fuel, and logistical challenges, necessitating innovations to minimize on-site footprint, ensure power and fuel supply, 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 base frame, which can quickly mobilize and demobilize without external mechanical means, providing 1-16 MW of electric power for applications like hydraulic fracturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If traditional multi-transport configurations are used for mobile power generation, then power supply capability is sufficient, but on-site footprint is large and mobility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power generation modules (gas turbines, generators, air intake systems, exhaust systems) that were previously distributed across multiple transports into a single integrated transport configuration. This merging allows the system to maintain high power output (1-16 MW) while reducing the number of separate units needed on-site, thereby decreasing the overall footprint and improving mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking and three-dimensional spatial arrangement of components within the single transport. By arranging air intake modules, gas turbines, generators, and exhaust systems in a vertically integrated configuration rather than horizontal spread, the system achieves high power density within a compact footprint, effectively transitioning from two-dimensional expansion to three-dimensional utilization.
2Productivity
If extensive equipment is deployed for hydraulic fracturing operations, then operational capability is sufficient, but logistical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power generation system into modular segments (air intake modules, gas turbine modules, generator modules, exhaust modules) that can be independently configured and assembled within the single transport. This segmentation allows for flexible deployment configurations while simplifying logistics, as each module is self-contained and can be rapidly assembled or disassembled without requiring extensive external equipment or personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated power generation system is designed to provide multiple functions within a single transport configuration, including power generation, air intake filtration, exhaust management, and potential heat recovery. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment, thereby decreasing logistical complexity while maintaining comprehensive operational capability for hydraulic fracturing operations.
3Speed
If multiple transports are used for power generation, then power supply is adequate, but mobility and quick deployment are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power generation functions into a single transport unit, eliminating the need to coordinate and transport multiple separate units to the same location. This consolidation maintains adequate power output (1-16 MW) while significantly improving mobilization speed, as only one transport needs to be deployed, positioned, and connected rather than multiple units.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional power generation systems are deployed, then power output is sufficient, but environmental impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates exhaust heat recovery systems that capture waste heat from the gas turbine exhaust and convert it into useful thermal energy or preheat intake air. This converts the harmful exhaust emissions into a beneficial resource, improving overall system efficiency and reducing environmental impact while maintaining the same electric power output. The integrated exhaust management system also enables better control and treatment of emissions.
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 reduces on-site footprint, enhances mobility, and provides clean, efficient power using hydrocarbon fuel, minimizing environmental impact and logistical complexities.
Implementation Method 1
a gas turbine... providing 1-16 MW of electric power for applications like hydraulic fracturing
Implementation Method 2
a generator driven by the gas turbine... providing 1-16 MW of electric power
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.