Drilling in a remote location poses many challenges, especially when it comes to powering your rig. You need a reliable, efficient, and safe source of energy that can meet the demands of your drilling operations and equipment. In this article, you will learn about some of the options and factors to consider when choosing a power system for your remote drilling rig.
One of the most common and versatile power sources for remote drilling rigs is diesel generators. Diesel generators can provide a steady and high-quality supply of electricity for your rig, as well as backup power in case of grid failures or emergencies. Diesel generators are also easy to transport, install, and maintain, and can run on various grades of fuel. However, diesel generators also have some drawbacks, such as high fuel consumption, noise, emissions, and fire hazards. You need to ensure that you have enough fuel storage and delivery capacity, as well as proper safety and environmental measures, to operate diesel generators in remote locations.
In my experience Diesel generators are still the most robust viable and economical solution to date. On a recent project where the client was flairing gas we implemented a modification on the generator to used both Gas and Diesel (Bi-Fuel system) which not only contribute to environmental goal of not burning gas to the environment but also reduce the amount of diesel used and overall cost
Diesel generators are far superior to any other option available for a drilling rig. Since powergrid is not an option, considering the HP/ft^2 comparison, diesel generators are: - compact - efficient - easy to maintain Also, fuel for these generators can be stored and days, sometimes months of refueling is not needed, which is important for a remote location drilling operations.
In my experience, diesel generators remains the most versatile and reliable power source for drilling in remote areas. In the wake of climate change action and in the spirit of protecting our planet, there is a lot of research into greener sources of energy for this purpose. Green Hydrogen perhaps?
For remote drilling, diesel generators are a reliable option, offering robust power supply and ease of transport. They support diverse fuel types and provide backup power, essential for uninterrupted operations. However, considerations around fuel logistics, environmental impact, and safety protocols are crucial due to their emissions and potential fire risks. Efficient planning for fuel supply and adherence to safety standards are imperative for their optimal use in remote settings.
I totally agree that diesel gensets remain the most preferred source of energy to power the drilling rigs due to the ease of deployment. They are also very versatile and can operate in harsh and high altitude environments. However, the energy landscape is changing rapidly with a clear focus on reduced emissions, decarbonized energy, and increased efficiency Most genset manufacturers are alive to the harmful emission generated by these diesel powered gensets and are now introducing fuel substitutes to diesel. Rolls-Royce PLC through its MTU brand has pioneered the use of HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil). HVO has been proven to cut CO2 emission by upto 90%.
Another option for powering your remote drilling rig is gas turbines. Gas turbines are similar to diesel generators, but they use natural gas or associated gas from the reservoir as fuel instead of diesel. Gas turbines can offer some advantages over diesel generators, such as lower fuel costs, lower emissions, higher efficiency, and longer service life. Gas turbines can also utilize waste heat recovery systems to improve their performance and reduce their environmental impact. However, gas turbines also have some limitations, such as higher capital costs, complex installation and maintenance, and dependence on gas availability and quality. You need to assess the feasibility and economics of using gas turbines in your remote location, as well as the technical and regulatory requirements.
Gas turbines, utilizing natural gas or associated gas, present an alternative for powering remote drilling rigs. They boast lower operational costs and emissions, enhanced efficiency, and extended lifespan compared to diesel generators. Integrating waste heat recovery can further optimize their performance and environmental footprint. However, the initial investment, intricate setup, and maintenance, along with reliance on consistent gas supply and quality, pose challenges. Evaluating their practicality and cost-effectiveness, alongside technical and regulatory considerations, is crucial for remote operations.
A third option for powering your remote drilling rig is renewable energy. Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, or biomass, can offer a clean, sustainable, and low-cost alternative to fossil fuels. Renewable energy systems can reduce your carbon footprint, lower your operating costs, and enhance your social and environmental reputation. Renewable energy systems can also be integrated with other power sources, such as diesel generators or gas turbines, to create hybrid systems that can optimize your energy efficiency and reliability. However, renewable energy systems also have some challenges, such as intermittent and variable output, high initial investment, and limited scalability. You need to evaluate the availability and suitability of renewable energy resources in your remote location, as well as the technical and logistical aspects of installing and operating renewable energy systems.
In remote drilling operations, renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydro, and biomass offer a sustainable and eco-friendly power solution. These systems can significantly reduce carbon emissions and operational costs, improving the operation's environmental and social standing. Hybrid systems combining renewables with traditional generators or turbines can enhance energy efficiency and reliability. Despite their benefits, renewables face challenges such as inconsistent output, high initial costs, and scalability issues. Assessing the local availability of renewable resources and considering the technical and logistical requirements for implementation is essential for success in remote areas.
Regardless of the type of power system you choose for your remote drilling rig, you also need to consider how to manage your power consumption and distribution. Power management involves optimizing your load demand, minimizing your power losses, and ensuring your power quality and stability. Power management can help you reduce your energy costs, improve your operational performance, and prevent power failures and disruptions. Power management can be achieved by using various tools and techniques, such as smart meters, load controllers, power factor correction devices, voltage regulators, and uninterruptible power supplies. You need to implement a power management plan that suits your power system and your drilling objectives, as well as monitor and adjust your power management practices as needed.
For remote drilling operations, effective power management is crucial, involving the optimization of load demand and the reduction of power losses to maintain quality and stability. This approach can lower energy costs, enhance performance, and prevent outages. Utilizing smart meters, load controllers, power factor correction devices, voltage regulators, and uninterruptible power supplies aids in achieving efficient power management. A tailored power management plan, aligned with the specific power system and drilling goals, should be actively monitored and adjusted to ensure optimal operation.
You’ve obviously never worked remote. Diesel generators are the only constant answer to power the rigs requirements if you had other options you wouldn’t really be remote!
Finally, you also need to consider how to optimize your power system for your remote drilling rig. Power optimization involves enhancing your power system's efficiency, reliability, and flexibility, as well as reducing its environmental and social impacts. Power optimization can help you achieve your drilling goals, as well as comply with the industry standards and regulations. Power optimization can be achieved by using various methods and measures, such as power system design and engineering, power system testing and commissioning, power system maintenance and repair, power system upgrading and retrofitting, and power system auditing and benchmarking. You need to conduct a power optimization analysis that evaluates your power system's performance and potential, as well as identify and implement the best power optimization solutions for your remote drilling rig.
Optimizing the power system for a remote drilling rig involves improving efficiency, reliability, and flexibility while minimizing environmental and social impacts. This process is essential for meeting drilling objectives and adhering to industry norms. Techniques include comprehensive design, rigorous testing, regular maintenance, timely upgrades, and thorough auditing. A detailed analysis should assess the system's current performance and identify optimal solutions, ensuring the rig operates effectively in remote environments.
- diesel generator are widely used, due to efficiency, spare parts availability and operator experiences, but recently renewable energy are partially used to power up some equipment such as sensors, cabin lights and other light load equipment
The common way to power rigs in remote areas is power generator yet with the current situation of controlling emissions, alternative ways are found 1. Power generators using bio diesel (this needs a small modification in the engine and will be around 98% less emissions). This solution can be found locally in Oman. 2. Utilize renewable energy yet this depends on your location and what can be utilized to create the power for you.
We always use Diesel generators to power the rig, fly camp and main camp, but recently at Agiba Petroleum Company (Eni Joint Venture) we plan rigs main camps to be near wells OHL (Over Head Lines Grid) so that we take electricity from the over head line of wells that is connected to the main power supply of all wells to reduce diesel consumption and reduce the carbon foot print of the rig as part of the company's Environmental portfolio. This saves agiba +5000 liters of diesel daily.
La majorité des forages réalisés se sont creusés à l'aide des générateurs Diesel qui maintiennent le chantier en électricité.