Powering gas pipelines
A special application concerns the powering of equipment installed in connection with natural gas pipelines. Here, the heat and power is used to keep sensitive pipeline components at a suitable operational temperature and to provide electrical power to necessary pipeline equipment such as
- Remote gate valves (RGV)
- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA)
- Communication- and radio controls
- Battery load stations
- Metering equipment for measuring flow rates, temperatures, gas quality or other operational parameters
- Cathode protection of sensitive materials
The gas CHP engine is applicable within all parts of a pipeline network; the gathering system, the interstate system and the distribution system. By varying the load, the electrical output of a single CHP engine can be adapted to specific needs between 2 and 9 kW.
No need for fuel logistics
In the natural gas pipeline application, the CHP engine is being fueled simply by tapping off some of the pipeline gas and supplying it directly to the engine. Thereby any need to supply other types of fuel to run a CHP solution is eliminated. For pipeline operators with remotely installed pipeline systems, sometimes not even accessible with roads, this represents a major logistical and operational advantage. This feature, and in particular in combination with the long service intervals and technical life length of the Stirling technology, enables a very cost effective power supply to remote pipeline locations.
Off-grid operation
Since an electrical grid may not be available at remote pipeline locations, the natural gas CHP engine is available with an off-grid cabinet containing a powerful battery pack and a dump load in order to compensate for the absence of an electrical grid. Access to electricity is needed during start-up of the CHP engine.
In accordance with needs, Cleanergy can provide integrated power solutions including fully equipped, climate controlled engine- and control containers.