Selection of Driver Systems for Large Compressors

With the large horsepowers required for centrifugal compressors in the process industry today, driver selection has an important effect on overall plant profitability. This paper discusses some general application considerations, then presents price and performance data for electric motors, gas turbines, and steam turbines. These data will assist the process plant designer in selecting economic alternatives to be considered in a driver system study. For instance, cost data included in the paper compare different motor enclosures, motor voltages, and types of motors. Curves that can be used to estimate voltage dip when starting different motors with a range of different electrical supply systems are provided. Gas turbine and steam turbine data indicate performance, low fuel cost by-product power available, fuel chargeable to power, and the availability of heat for process or other power uses.