Micropower system optimization for the telecommunication towers based on various renewable energy sources

This study investigates the technical and cost-effective performance of options renewable energy sources to develop a green off-grid telecommunication tower to replace diesel generators in Malaysia. For this purpose, the solar, wind, pico-hydro energy, along with diesel generators, were examined to compare. In addition, the modeling of hybrid powering systems was conducted using hybrid optimization model for energy (HOMER) simulation based on techno-economic analysis to determine the optimal economically feasible system. The optimization findings showed that the hybrid high-efficiency fixed photovoltaic (PV) system with battery followed by 2 kW pico-hydropower and battery are the optimal configurations for powering off-grid telecommunication towers in Malaysia with the lowest net present cost (NPC) and cost of energy (COE). These costs of NPC and COE are more down than diesel generator costs with battery by 17.45%, 16.45%, 15.9%, and 15.5%, respectively. Furthermore, the economic evaluation of the high-efficiency solar fixed PV panels system annual cash flow compared to the diesel generator with the battery system indicated a ten-year payback period.

Variable Speed Diesel Generators: Performance and Characteristic Comparison

Diesel generators (DGs) are set to work as a backup during power outages or support the load in remote areas not connected to the national grid. These DGs are working at a constant speed to produce reliable AC power, while electrical energy demand fluctuates according to instantaneous needs. High electric loads occur only for a few hours a day in remote areas, resulting in oversizing DGs. During a low load operation, DGs face poor fuel efficiency and condensation of fuel residues on the walls of engine cylinders that increase friction and premature wear. One solution to increase combustion efficiency at low electric loads is to reduce diesel engine (DE) speed to its ideal regime according to the mechanical torque required by the electrical generator. Therefore, Variable Speed Diesel Generators (VSDGs) allow the operation of the diesel engine at an optimal speed according to the electrical load but require additional electrical equipment and control to maintain the power output to electrical standards. Variable speed technology has shown a significant reduction of up to 40% fuel consumption, resulting in low GHG emissions and operating costs compared to a conventional diesel generator. This technology also eliminates engine idle time during a low load regime to have a longer engine lifetime. The main objective of this survey paper is to present the state of the art of the VSDG technologies and compare their performance in terms of fuel savings, increased engine lifetime, and reduced greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions. Various concepts and the latest VSDG technologies have been evaluated in this paper based on their performance appraisal and degree of innovation.

INCREASING MICROGRID ENERGY EFFICIENCY WITH DIESEL GENERATORS

It is shown that increasing the energy efficiency of Microgrid with diesel generators requires solving the problem of optimizing the modes of operation of Microgrid using as an optimization criterion for reducing the consumption of primary fuel diesel generators. To study the energy efficiency of such types of Microgrid as a criterion that has a direct impact on the amount of electricity generated, selected adequate accounting of primary fuel consumption when generating a given amount of electricity in the system. The article determines that one of the important indicators of diesel generator sets is their efficiency, which is determined by the ratio of energy produced to fuel consumption per hour of operation at rated load. It is shown that the reduction of fuel consumption allows to increase the efficiency of diesel generators, and different types of steady and transient modes of diesel generators significantly affect the efficiency of Microgrid in terms of technical and financial efficiency. To improve the technical and economic indicators in Microgrid with diesel generators, the article proposes to use the electric cost model of the power generation system, which allows to calculate both the dynamic change of generated power and the dynamic change of its cost and the cost of primary fuel. This model allows flexible nonlinear tracking of fuel consumption, which, taking into account the cost of diesel fuel, can serve as an economic criterion for determining the energy efficiency of the generating system. The article presents an algorithm for evaluating the financial and technical performance of Microgrid in dynamic modes over a period of technology, which not only evaluates the economic and energy efficiency of Microgrid with diesel generators, but can also be used to modify Smart meters, which can significantly expand their functionality.

Local Energy Systems in Iraq: Neighbourhood Diesel Generators and Solar Photovoltaic Generation

Iraqis experience interruptions of the public electricity supply of up to 18 hours a day. In response, private entrepreneurs and the Local Provincial Councils (LPCs) have installed an estimated 55,000–80,000 diesel generators, each rated typically between 100 and 500 kVA. The generators supply neighbourhoods through small, isolated distribution networks to operate lighting, fans and small appliances when power is not available from the public supply. A single radial live conductor connects each customer to the generator and payment for the electricity is based on a monthly charge per ampere. The operation and regulation of the neighbourhood diesel generator networks was reviewed through a comprehensive literature survey, site visits and interviews conducted with local operators and assemblers of the generator sets. The electricity is expensive, the generators can only supply small loads, have considerable environmental impact and the unusual single wire distribution practice is potentially hazardous. However, the use of the generators is likely to continue in the absence of any alternative electricity supply. The diesels and networks are poorly regulated and there is scope to enforce existing standards and develop a new standard to address the hazards of the connection practice. The chapter goes on to assess the possibilities of using small photovoltaic systems for power generation in Iraq.

Digitalization for Reducing Carbon Footprint in Drilling Operations

Objectives/Scope Drilling activities are energy intensive, in order to support, for example, heavy loads, high volumes circulation, and high torque equipment. As of today, this energy is mainly provided by diesel generators consuming tons of fuel every day. Hence, drilling activities are a significant producer of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the upstream industry, therefore drawing attention on the potential for emissions reduction. There are two ways for reducing emissions: changing the source of energy, and reducing the consumption. This paper is focusing on the latter, addressing the potential for GHG reduction thanks digitalization of the rig operations. Methods, Procedures, Process The process is structured in two phases: Phase 1 - data monitoring Rig operations provide different data sources from rig sensors and daily reporting. The digitalization process in place in Saipem is gathering and consolidating these data on rig site and in headquarters in real time. On one hand, dedicated algorithms are applied to identify the rig state (type of ongoing operation) every 5 seconds. On the other hand, engines’ consumptions data are provided either through reporting or from engines monitoring systems (where available). All these data are then consolidated and displayed on interactive dashboards, providing insightful information on fuel efficiency and energy consumption by type of operations for each rig. Phase 2 - consumption optimization By analysing the power needs according to a given environment (eg. depth) and operational conditions (eg. tripping) the system provides the best statistical performance recorded from the rig fleet and set it as a target for low emission operations. Then the operators on the rig have clear instructions on how to utilize their diesel generators to ensure both operational safety and emissions reduction. In addition, the use of the engines at an optimal level supports also availability (less failures) and maintainability (longer lifetime). Results, Observations, Conclusions The system in place has produced valuable results in less than 6 months, by offering a clear visibility on the most consuming activities and the definition of best-in-class energy-efficient operations. These instructions are distributed among the rigs, and the operators can proactively optimize the use of their engines according to the upcoming activities and the operating environment. GHG emissions are constantly monitored and reductions have been recorded on a monthly basis. Novel/Additive Information Considering that the cleaner energy is the one that is not consumed, this digitalization process of rig sensor data and operation reporting offers an unprecedented vision of the activities and their related GHG emissions. A cautious analysis of these data provides practical indicators for the most efficient use of diesel generators. This proactive energy management supports operators and contractors in delivering a proactive sustainability strategy with measurable results.

Renewable energy and energy storage to offset diesel generators at expeditionary contingency bases

Expeditionary contingency bases (non-permanent, rapidly built, and often remote outposts) for military and non-military applications represent a unique opportunity for renewable energy. Conventional applications rely upon diesel generators to provide electricity. However, the potential exists for renewable energy, improved efficiency, and energy storage to largely offset the diesel consumed by generators. This paper introduces a new methodology for planners to incorporate meteorological data for any location worldwide into a planning tool in order to minimize air pollution and carbon emissions while simultaneously improving the energy security and energy resilience of contingency bases. Benefits of the model apply not just to the military, but also to any organization building an expeditionary base—whether for humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, scientific research, or remote community development. Modeling results demonstrate that contingency bases using energy efficient buildings with batteries, rooftop solar photovoltaics, and vertical axis wind turbines can decrease annual generator diesel consumption by upward of 75% in all major climate zones worldwide, while simultaneously reducing air pollution, carbon emissions, and the risk of combat casualties from resupply missions.

Significant Increase in Fuel Efficiency of Diesel Generators with Lithium-Ion Batteries Documented by Economic Analysis

As the global diesel generator market grows and generators gain wider use, various methods are being developed to increase their energy efficiency. One of these methods entails integrating a Li-ion battery with diesel generators (DGs). This method did not attract attention until recently because it was economically unappealing. A significant decrease in the price of Li-ion batteries in recent years has made hybrid diesel generator/Li-ion battery systems more viable. We present a model-based economic analysis of a hybrid DG/Li-ion battery system with the aim of increasing the energy efficiency of diesel power generators. Special blocks were developed for calculations and comparisons with a MATLAB Simulink model, including 457 kW DG operating modes with/without a Li-ion battery. We simulated the system in order to calculate the conditions required to achieve savings in fuel and the level of savings, in addition to the payback time of the Li-ion battery. Furthermore, we present the additional savings gained by postponing the investment in a new diesel generator thanks to the Li-ion battery. Based on our findings, the payback period of the Li-ion battery system varies between 2.5 and 4 years. According to our 12-year economic analysis, the cost savings resulting from postponing new investments can reach 40% of the profit gained from the savings during such a period.

Thermophysical characteristics of gas-power dual-fuel engines w12v50 df for liquefied gas shipping vessels

Maritime transport plays important role in the economic development of society – 90% of goods are transported by ships. At the same time, maritime transport requires a significant amount of fuel resources. Production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) is becoming the fastest growing industry in the modern global energy sector. Today, LNG accounts for 40% of the physical volume of world gas trade, and its share will increase up to 60% by 2040. Currently, natural gas is used on ships in the form of liquefied petroleum gas, compressed natural gas, and liquefied natural gas (LNG). The article deals with the urgent problem of operation of dual-fuel diesel-electric installations of ships. The need to study the heat-engineering parameters of two-fuel diesel generators of the Wartsila company has been substantiated. The authors present the dependencies of main heat-engineering parameters on the load of Wartsila W12V50DF dual-fuel engines used as a generator drive in the main electric propulsion engines on LNG tankers. A comparative assessment of the dependencies of exhaust gas temperature, turbocharger rotation speed, boost pressure and gas pressure on the load of diesel generators on two LNG tankers has been carried out. The article analyzes the presented dependencies. The authors substantiate the need for further improvement of their design and workflow.