engleski

Optimization of waste heat utilization in pipeline compressor station

Gas turbine driven pipeline compressor stations employed in existing pipelines and also in those that shall be built due to increasing demand for natural gas present significant potential for production of additional electricity and useful heat by utilizing the waste heat from gas turbine process. For utilizing the waste heat existing systems are usually upgraded with a heat recovery steam generator, steam turbine and balance of plant equipment, which are used to produce electricity via conventional combined gas and steam cycle process. Paper analyzes and compares several various configurations both in the terms of thermodynamic and economic criteria. In order to find an optimal configuration of a new system an exergo-economic HRSG optimization is conducted for finding the compromise between the exergy losses and investment costs of HRSG surfaces. Preferred single pressure, dual pressure and triple pressure system configurations are examined in typical operating scenarios of pipeline compressor station. For each scenario cost of electricity, cash flow and internal rate of return are calculated. Sensitivity analysis has been performed in order to estimate system viability in case of varying fuel prices and CO2 emission certificates for each scenario. The results of the performed investigation are based on realistic compressor station data and could be used as a guideline for further research and development in this field.

compressor station; heat recovery; optimization; combined cycle

nije evidentirano