Integration of Concentrating Solar Heat into Oil and Gas Operations for Increased Sustainability

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lino Carnelli ◽  
Carla Lazzari ◽  
Tamara Passera ◽  
Chiara Sartori ◽  
Joseph Epoupa Mengou
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Heat Transfer Fluid ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Solar Thermal Energy ◽  
Alternative Source ◽  
Solar Heat ◽  
Carbon Neutrality ◽  
Solar Fraction ◽  
Solar Field

Abstract According to Eni's mission to reach carbon neutrality in the countries where it operates, the development of renewable energy could be a key element in the company's strategy for evolving the business model towards a low carbon scenario. In this context, concentrating solar technology can provide a real solution in order to goal the carbon neutrality. Solar thermal energy could be an alternative source to the fossil fuel in industrial processes and also in the oil&gas sector, where the upstream operations (dewatering, stabilization, sweetening…) require substantial amounts of heat. Usually this heat is easily produced by combustion of natural gas available at the oil&gas site. Concentrating Solar Heat (CSH) technology allows to produce process heat by using specific collectors that concentrate the solar radiation onto a receiver where a heat transfer fluid is heated at medium/high temperature. A thermal energy storage can be added to the solar field to increase the solar fraction and reducing so the CO2 emissions. The fraction of thermal energy not covered by the CSH plant can be provided by a fossil source that acts as a back-up. With this in mind, a pre-feasibility study was carried out for the integration of a medium temperature(∼200-300°C) concentrating solar plant with or without a thermal storage system and a back-up gas heater in an oil&gas site located in North Africa. The solar heat partially replaces the duty necessary to the heat exchangers that heat the crude to guarantee the separation from water and best stabilization. Reflective areas of the solar field and total occupancy, thermal energy production during the year, solar multiple and preliminary evaluations of cost of investment are presented. Obviously, the reduction of CO2 emission increases with the solar fraction but the competitiveness and cost-effectiveness of the integration strongly depend on the local cost of natural gas, the presence of government incentives, CO2 credit tax, etc. In any case the proposed solution represents an important step towards energy transition.

scholarly journals Solar Integrated Anaerobic Digester: Energy Savings and Economics

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (17) ◽  
pp. 4292
Author(s):  
Lidia Lombardi ◽  
Barbara Mendecka ◽  
Simone Fabrizi
Keyword(s):  
Anaerobic Digestion ◽  
Natural Gas ◽  
Economic Analysis ◽  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Base Case ◽  
Economic Sustainability ◽  
Solar Thermal Energy ◽  
Solar Integration

Industrial anaerobic digestion requires low temperature thermal energy to heat the feedstock and maintain temperature conditions inside the reactor. In some cases, the thermal requirements are satisfied by burning part of the produced biogas in devoted boilers. However, part of the biogas can be saved by integrating thermal solar energy into the anaerobic digestion plant. We study the possibility of integrating solar thermal energy in biowaste mesophilic/thermophilic anaerobic digestion, with the aim of reducing the amount of biogas burnt for internal heating and increasing the amount of biogas, further upgraded to biomethane and injected into the natural gas grid. With respect to previously available studies that evaluated the possibility of integrating solar thermal energy in anaerobic digestion, we introduce the topic of economic sustainability by performing a preliminary and simplified economic analysis of the solar system, based only on the additional costs/revenues. The case of Italian economic incentives for biomethane injection into the natural gas grid—that are particularly favourable—is considered as reference case. The amount of saved biogas/biomethane, on an annual basis, is about 4–55% of the heat required by the gas boiler in the base case, without solar integration, depending on the different considered variables (mesophilic/thermophilic, solar field area, storage time, latitude, type of collector). Results of the economic analysis show that the economic sustainability can be reached only for some of the analysed conditions, using the less expensive collector, even if its efficiency allows lower biomethane savings. Future reduction of solar collector costs might improve the economic feasibility. However, when the payback time is calculated, excluding the Italian incentives and considering selling the biomethane at the natural gas price, its value is always higher than 10 years. Therefore, incentives mechanism is of great importance to support the economic sustainability of solar integration in biowaste anaerobic digestion producing biomethane.

scholarly journals Comparative Modeling of a Parabolic Trough Collectors Solar Power Plant with MARS Models

Energies ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose Rogada ◽  
Lourdes Barcia ◽  
Juan Martinez ◽  
Mario Menendez ◽  
Francisco de Cos Juez
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Water Vapor ◽  
Power Plant ◽  
Solar Radiation ◽  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Solar Power ◽  
Rankine Cycle ◽  
Heat Transfer Fluid ◽  
Solar Field

Power plants producing energy through solar fields use a heat transfer fluid that lends itself to be influenced and changed by different variables. In solar power plants, a heat transfer fluid (HTF) is used to transfer the thermal energy of solar radiation through parabolic collectors to a water vapor Rankine cycle. In this way, a turbine is driven that produces electricity when coupled to an electric generator. These plants have a heat transfer system that converts the solar radiation into heat through a HTF, and transfers that thermal energy to the water vapor heat exchangers. The best possible performance in the Rankine cycle, and therefore in the thermal plant, is obtained when the HTF reaches its maximum temperature when leaving the solar field (SF). In addition, it is necessary that the HTF does not exceed its own maximum operating temperature, above which it degrades. The optimum temperature of the HTF is difficult to obtain, since the working conditions of the plant can change abruptly from moment to moment. Guaranteeing that this HTF operates at its optimal temperature to produce electricity through a Rankine cycle is a priority. The oil flowing through the solar field has the disadvantage of having a thermal limit. Therefore, this research focuses on trying to make sure that this fluid comes out of the solar field with the highest possible temperature. Modeling using data mining is revealed as an important tool for forecasting the performance of this kind of power plant. The purpose of this document is to provide a model that can be used to optimize the temperature control of the fluid without interfering with the normal operation of the plant. The results obtained with this model should be necessarily contrasted with those obtained in a real plant. Initially, we compare the PID (proportional–integral–derivative) models used in previous studies for the optimization of this type of plant with modeling using the multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) model.

scholarly journals Process analysis of solar steam reforming of methane for producing low-carbon hydrogen

RSC Advances ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (21) ◽  
pp. 12582-12597 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enkhbayar Shagdar ◽  
Bachirou Guene Lougou ◽  
Yong Shuai ◽  
Enkhjin Ganbold ◽  
Ogugua Paul Chinonso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Production ◽  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Steam Reforming ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Process Analysis ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Solar Thermal Energy ◽  
Steam Reforming Of Methane

Integrating solar thermal energy into conventional SRM technology is a promising approach for low-carbon hydrogen production based on fossil fuel in near and midterm.

scholarly journals Design and development of solar dryer for food preservation

2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-160
Author(s):  
S Tabassum ◽  
MS Bashar ◽  
MS Islam ◽  
A Sharmin ◽  
SC Debnath ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Food Preservation ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Solar Thermal Energy ◽  
Alternative Source ◽  
Solar Dryer ◽  
Large Production ◽  
Dry Food

Solar thermal energy is an alternative source of energy which can be used for drying vegetables, fishes, fruits or other kinds of material, such as wood. In Bangladesh, there exist significant post-harvest losses of agricultural products due to lack of the use of proper preservation system. Drying by using solar thermal energy can be an effective solution for this loss. As Bangladesh is situated in latitude 23°43’N and longitude 90°26’E, this is very much suitable to use solar thermal energy. To reduce the limitations of the natural sun drying e.g. exposure of the foodstuff to rain and dust; uncontrolled drying; exposure to direct sunlight; infestation by insects etc., two types of solar dryer (low cost solar dryer for small production and solar dryer for large production) were developed. The design was based on the geographical location of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The experiments were conducted to dry vegetables and fishes. The obtained results revealed that the temperatures inside the dryer were much higher than the ambient temperature. The rapid rate of drying proves its ability to dry food to keep in safe moisture level in a hygienic environment. Microbiological and nutritional values ensure a superior quality of the dried product also. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res.54(2), 155-160, 2019

System and component modelling of a low temperature solar thermal energy conversion cycle

2013 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 51-62
Author(s):  
Shadreck M. Situmbeko ◽  
Freddie L. Inambao
Keyword(s):  
Low Temperature ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Solar Thermal Energy ◽  
Solar Field ◽  
Conversion Technology

Solar thermal energy (STE) technology refers to the conversion of solar energy to readily usable energy forms. The most important component of a STE technology is the collectors; these absorb the shorter wavelength solar energy (400-700nm) and convert it into usable, longer wavelength (about 10 times as long) heat energy. Depending on the quality (temperature and intensity) of the resulting thermal energy, further conversions to other energy forms such as electrical power may follow. Currently some high temperature STE technologies for electricity production have attained technical maturity; technologies such as parabolic dish (commercially available), parabolic trough and power tower are only hindered by unfavourable market factors including high maintenance and operating costs. Low temperature STEs have so far been restricted to water and space heating; however, owing to their lower running costs and almost maintenance free operation, although operating at lower efficiencies, may hold a key to future wider usage of solar energy. Low temperature STE conversion technology typically uses flat plate and low concentrating collectors such as parabolic troughs to harness solar energy for conversion to mechanical and/or electrical energy. These collector systems are relatively cheaper, simpler in construction and easier to operate due to the absence of complex solar tracking equipment. Low temperature STEs operate within temperatures ranges below 300oC. This research work is geared towards developing feasible low temperature STE conversion technology for electrical power generation. Preliminary small-scale concept plants have been designed at 500Wp and 10KWp. Mathematical models of the plant systems have been developed and simulated on the EES (Engineering Equation Solver) platform. Fourteen candidate working fluids and three cycle configurations have been analysed with the models. The analyses included a logic model selector through which an optimal conversion cycle configuration and working fluid mix was established. This was followed by detailed plant component modelling; the detailed component model for the solar field was completed and was based on 2-dimensional segmented thermal network, heat transfer and thermo fluid dynamics analyses. Input data such as solar insolation, ambient temperature and wind speed were obtained from the national meteorology databases. Detailed models of the other cycle components are to follow in next stage of the research. This paper presents findings of the system and solar field component.

Use of Low/Mid-Temperature Solar Heat for Thermochemical Upgrading of Energy, Part I: Application to a Novel Chemically-Recuperated Gas-Turbine Power Generation (SOLRGT) System

2012 ◽  
Vol 134 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Na Zhang ◽  
Noam Lior
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Co2 Emissions ◽  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Solar Thermal Energy ◽  
Solar Heat ◽  
Overall Efficiency

This paper is the first part of a study presenting the concept of indirect thermochemical upgrading of low/mid temperature solar heat, and demonstration of its integration into a high efficiency novel hybrid power generation system. The proposed system consists of an intercooled chemically recuperated gas turbine (SOLRGT) cycle, in which the solar thermal energy collected at about 220 °C is first transformed into the latent heat of vapor supplied to a reformer and then via the reforming reactions to the produced syngas chemical exergy. The produced syngas is burned to provide high temperature working fluid to a gas turbine. The solar-driven steam production helps to improve both the chemical and thermal recuperation in the system. Using well established technologies including steam reforming and low/mid temperature solar heat collection, the hybrid system exhibits promising performance: the net solar-to-electricity efficiency, based on the gross solar thermal energy incident on the collector, was predicted to be 25–30%, and up to 38% when the solar share is reduced. In comparison to a conventional CRGT system, 20% of fossil fuel saving is feasible with the solar thermal share of 22%, and the system overall efficiency reaches 51.2% to 53.6% when the solar thermal share is increased from 11 to 28.8%. The overall efficiency is about 5.6%-points higher than that of a comparable intercooled CRGT system without solar assist. Production of NOx is near zero, and the reduction of fossil fuel use results in a commensurate ∼20% reduction of CO2 emissions. Comparison of the fuel-based efficiencies of the SOLRGT and a conventional commercial Combined Cycle (CC) shows that the efficiency of SOLRGT becomes higher than that of CC when the solar thermal fraction Xsol is above ∼14%, and since the SOLRGT system thus uses up to 12% less fossil fuel than the CC (within the parameter range of this study), it commensurately reduces CO2 emissions and saves depletable fossil fuel. An economic analysis of SOLRGT shows that the generated electricity cost by the system is about 0.06 $/kWh, and the payback period about 10.7 years (including 2 years of construction). The second part of the study is a separate paper (Part II) describing an advancement of this system guided by the exergy analysis of SOLRGT.

scholarly journals Towards Fossil Free Cities—A Supermarket, Greenhouse & Dwelling Integrated Energy System as an Alternative to District Heating: Amsterdam Case Study

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 347
Author(s):  
Nick ten Caat ◽  
Luuk Graamans ◽  
Martin Tenpierik ◽  
Andy van den Dobbelsteen
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
District Heating ◽  
Carbon Accounting ◽  
Energy Solution ◽  
Local Energy ◽  
Solar Thermal Energy ◽  
Suitable Alternative ◽  
Business As Usual

The municipality of Amsterdam has set stringent carbon emission reduction targets: 55% by 2030 and 95% by 2050 for the entire metropolitan area. One of the key strategies to achieve these goals entails a disconnection of all households from the natural gas supply by 2040 and connecting them to the existing city-wide heat grid. This paper aims to demonstrate the value of considering local energy potentials at the city block level by exploring the potential of a rooftop greenhouse solar collector as a renewable alternative to centralized district heating. An existing supermarket and an ATES component complete this local energy synergy. The thermal energy balance of the three urban functions were determined and integrated into hourly energy profiles to locate and quantify the simultaneous and mismatched discrepancies between energy excess and demand. The excess thermal energy extracted from one 850 m2 greenhouse can sustain up to 47 dwellings, provided it is kept under specific interior climate set points. Carbon accounting was applied to evaluate the system performance of the business-as-usual situation, the district heating option and the local system. The avoided emissions due to the substitution of natural gas by solar thermal energy do not outweigh the additional emissions consequential to the fossil-based electricity consumption of the greenhouse’s crop growing lights, but when the daily photoperiod is reduced from 16 h to 12 h, the system performs equally to the business-as-usual situation. Deactivating growth lighting completely does make this local energy solution carbon competitive with district heating. This study points out that rooftop greenhouses applied as solar collectors can be a suitable alternative energy solution to conventional district heating, but the absence of growing lights will lead to diminished agricultural yields.

3D FEM Model to Improve the Heat Transfer in Concrete for Thermal Energy Storage in Solar Power Generation

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Panneer Selvam ◽  
Marco Castro
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Energy Storage ◽  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Solar Power ◽  
Flow Line ◽  
Heat Transfer Fluid ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Solar Thermal Energy ◽  
3D Fem ◽  
Storage Unit

Solar thermal energy has been shown to be a viable alternative resource. At this time, the concentrating solar power systems costs are 13–17 cents/kWh. The goal of DOE is to reduce the cost to 5 cents/kWh by 2015 using energy storage techniques. Several storage schemes and materials have been developed over the past two decades. Concrete is an inexpensive storage medium for sensible heat. Research has been done lately using concrete blocks which are heated up by circulating synthetic oil at a maximum temperature of 390 °C through a series of pipes embedded in the concrete. However, the efficiency of the storage unit can be improved by increasing the operating temperature, which is in turn limited by the materials used. A 3-D finite element computer model was written in order to perform parametric studies during the thermal charging and discharging of concrete. The program allows modifying the physical properties of the heat transfer fluid and storage material. A feature to add fins attached to the flow line was developed to evaluate improvements in heat transfer. Several fin configurations were studied. The increase in energy stored in the system, and the corresponding cost increase are reported.

Use of Low/Mid-Temperature Solar Heat for Thermochemical Upgrading of Energy, With Application to a Novel Chemically-Recuperated Gas-Turbine Power Generation (SOLRGT) System

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Na Zhang ◽  
Noam Lior
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Solar Thermal ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Solar Thermal Energy ◽  
Solar Heat ◽  
Overall Efficiency

This paper presents the concept of indirect thermochemical upgrading of low/mid temperature solar heat, and demonstration of its integration into a high efficiency novel hybrid power generation system. The proposed system consists of an intercooled chemically recuperated gas turbine (SOLRGT) cycle, in which the solar thermal energy collected at about 220°C is first transformed into the latent heat of vapor supplied to a reformer and then via the reforming reactions to the produced syngas chemical exergy. The produced syngas is burned to provide high temperature working fluid to a gas turbine. The solar-driven steam production helps to improve both the chemical and thermal recuperation in the system. Using well established technologies including steam reforming and low/mid temperature solar heat collection, the hybrid system exhibits promising performance: the net solar-to-electricity efficiency, based on the gross solar thermal energy incident on the collector, was predicted to be 25–30%, and it can reach up to 35% when the solar share is reduced. In comparison to conventional CRGT system, 30% of fossil fuel saving is feasible with the solar thermal share of 26%, and the system overall efficiency reaches 51.2% to 53.6% when the solar thermal share is increased from 11 to 28.8%. The overall efficiency is about 5.7%-points higher than that of a comparable intercooled CRGT system without solar assist. Due to the introduction of steam into the combustion chamber, production of NOx is near zero, and the reduction of fossil fuel use results in a commensurate 23% reduction of CO2 emissions as compared with the comparable intercooled CRGT system without solar assist.

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