Feasibility of ORC application in natural gas compressor stations. (15th April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bianchi, M.; Branchini, L.; De Pascale, A.; Melino, F.; Peretto, A.; Archetti, D.; Campana, F.; Ferrari, T.; Rossetti, N.
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 173(2019)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 15
• Publication Date: 2019-04-15
• Subjects: Organic Rankine Cycle -- Gas turbine -- Natural gas compressor station -- Techno-economic analysis -- Oil&Gas applications; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2019.01.127
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: Natural gas compressor stations represent a huge potential in terms of waste heat recovery. Typical installations consist of multiple gas turbine units, in mechanical drive arrangement, operated most of the time under part-load conditions. The paper investigates the feasibility of Organic Rankine Cycle application as bottomer recovery technology in natural gas compressor facilities. The aim of the performed analysis is to obtain a detailed techno-economic and environmental scenario of the integrated system on yearly base. Different commercial gas turbine models, in the size range from 3 to 30 MW, have been taken into account as representative of mechanical driver units. Bottomer configurations (with & without intermediate loop) are modelled and compared assuming two different organic fluids. A sensitivity analysis of the bottomer cycle is carried out aimed at maximizing ORC shaft power output for each investigated layout. Off-design part-load operation of the integrated cycles have been simulated with reference to one minute data typical GT operation on a yearly base. The goal of this work is: (i) to assess the actual performance of merging gas turbines and ORC units for efficient power generation under variable operating conditions; (ii) to analyze the real potential of state-of-the art technology in the proposed innovative application. Highlights: Techno-economic investigation of ORC potential, in a real NG compression stations. Retrofit with ORC commercial GTs, widely diffused in compression facilities. Simulate part-load of selected GTs according to different control load strategies. Investigate different organic fluids and topper-bottomer integrated layouts. Define, for each GT-ORC layouts, optimal design and estimate off-design behavior.