ELECTRIC SOLUTIONS IN THE LNG CHAIN FOR COMPRESSOR DRIVES AND LNG CARRIERS' PROPULSION

摘要

High performance electric drive systems up to 100 MW can be implemented in almost the whole LNG chain, from gas liquefaction plants to import terminals, including electric propulsion and on-board reliquefaction facilities for LNG carriers. Over the last few years, major developments have been carried out in power electronics and in electric machines that have allowed the use of high power electric drive systems in the Oil and Gas industry and in marine, particularly in the LNG chain. These high power electric drive systems bring significant advantages to installations: availability, high efficiency, robustness, compactness, low noise and vibration level, operational flexibility, reduced maintenance, simplicity and environmental friendliness (reduction of emissions). Today, for LNG compressor drives, several technologies are available: induction, high speed induction or synchronous turbo machines. As for the LNG carriers, a new electric propulsion solution based on the use of high torque density (HTD) induction motors fed by the PWM MV7000 converters significantly enhances ships' performance.