Hybrid Power Generation for Offshore Wellhead Platform: A Starting Point for Offshore Green Energy

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to present the DC power supply for unmanned remote wellhead platforms (WHP). In several recent WHP projects, there are a number of difference aspects in Bongkot and Arthit Fields in the PTTEP's Gulf of Thailand and one of them is the DC power supply. PTTEP by Wellhead platform department intends to standardize the design of DC power generation for Generic Wellhead Platforms (Generic WHP) for either Bongkot or Arthit fields. Offshore wellhead platforms have been powered by various power generation technologies such as Gas engine generator, Diesel engine generator, Closed cycle vapor turbogenerator (CCVT), Thermoelectric generator (TEG) including renewable energy technologies such as Solar power system and Wind turbine generator. Both Solar power system and TEG are widely used as DC power generation for offshore remote wellhead platforms to power platform DC loads such as PLC, SCADA, and Radio system. Technical evaluation for various DC power supply will be presented. The scope of this paper is to discuss and recommend the most suitable DC power generation configuration for the Generic Wellhead Platforms focus on techno-economic with consideration of optimum point of reliability, economy, and environment. In addition, all calculations of system equipment sizing for the selected DC power generation configuration for generic WHP will be detailed in this paper. 1. Introduction The existing wellhead platforms (WHPs) of PTTEP in Bongkot and Arthit field are equipped with various types and configurations of DC power generation system. The Bongkot WHPs in old phase (e.g. phase 3E, 3F and 3G) are equipped with Closed Cycle Vapour Turbogenerator (CCVT) as main DC power generation, while the recent development Bongkot WHPs phase 4A are equipped with Thermoelectric Generator (TEG). The TEG system has been also installed in Arthit WHPs phase 1A (i.e. AWP 2–6). During design development for Arthit WHPs phase 1B (i.e. AWP 7–10), the Solar & TEG hybrid DC power system was first introduced and implemented as main DC power generation system for PTTEP WHPs in order to improve platform power availability and reliability. The Solar & TEG hybrid DC power system has been continuously used for recent Arthit WHP development project such as Arthit North project.