Optimization of a CO2-Free Offshore Power Plant Using Supercritical CO2

• Published in: Volume 11: Supercritical CO2
• Main Authors: Pedersen, Kjartan, Pilarczyk, Marcin, Quinkertz, Rainer, Glos, Stefan, Kuhn, Martin
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: American Society of Mechanical Engineers 24.06.2024
• ISBN: 0791888045; 9780791888049
• DOI: 10.1115/GT2024-127613

Abstract Oil and gas companies face a diverse range of challenges in optimizing their value streams. Some aim to extract maximum value from gas fields with high CO2 content, while others seek to decarbonize their electricity consumption, enhance production via boosting, or provide balancing power to offshore wind farms. In response to all these needs, an innovative CO2 free offshore power plant burning gas with pure oxygen is presented. The solution called ZEUS (Zero Emission Unmanned power Station) is planned to be located offshore, close to the production wells. One novelty is oxy-fuel combustion at high pressure, which will be obtained naturally from the nearby wells. The high pressure ensures that when cooled, the exhaust is liquified instantly and can be re-injected directly into suitable underground formations in the vicinity. This gives short-traveled gas, short-traveled CO2, no emission to environment, and only requires an export power cable running to shore or to offshore installations. The paper presents the optimization of the indirect power cycle for ZEUS concept, comparing water-steam and sCO2 as working fluids. The analyses cover various power cycle layouts and heat exchanger designs. The comparison includes efficiency, equipment footprint and cost. The results show that supercritical CO2 cycle fits well to the offshore power plant designs such as ZEUS concept.