Power System Design for a Large, Dynamic Natural Gas Field: Improving the Field Production Profile

In this article, we detail the upgrading of a large natural GAS field to improve the field production profile of the nonassociated gas recovery rate of the existing wells. Several gas compression plants (GCPs) with nearly 20 large, high-voltage (HV) motors will be optimally located based on thermohydraulic modeling results. This requires a power system network that provides a reliable and stable power supply to critical operations, delivering over 3 billion standard cubic feet per day of compressed gas. These GCPs are located in remote areas with severe Middle East weather conditions. The technical challenges for designing and ensuring power delivery to these locations without sacrificing quality, reliability, and safety are reviewed. Analyzing the design, planning, installation options, construction techniques, safety requirements, and logistical methods used in the design are discussed. It also addresses the interface with the utility, HV transmission line configuration, selection of substation equipment, and motorstarting methods to distribute power from the bulk supply point (BSP) to the GCPs.