Evolution of Power Generation of Offshore Wellhead Platform to 100% Solar Power System Design

Regarding the Direct Current (DC) power generation for the offshore gas wellhead platform, the hybrid power generator Thermoelectric generator (TEG) and Solar Panel is used in the COMPANY design to supply power for DC loads such as a PLC and Telecom system of the offshore gas wellhead platform in past 10 years. To effectively achieve Capital Expenditures (CAPEX), and Operating Expenditures (OPEX) and green environment, now 100% solar panel power generator with battery backup is considered. The challenge of a single power generation which is a solar power system is reliability. There are a few key factors that effect to the reliability of 100% solar power system design. The shadow on solar panel, solar radiation and battery backup duration during the low insolation and nighttime would be key factors in engineering design. Approximately 20 gas wellhead platforms in the gulf of Thailand are designed with 100% solar power generation with battery backup during the past 3 years, they have been operating without power generation issue. When designing solar panel locations, the software Sun-Path software is used to confirm there is no significant shadow on solar panel in all seasons. For the sun solar radiation, we use weather statistic solar insolation data provided by NASA. And battery backup time, we use weather statistic data as a factor for battery backup time. During the low insolation days and nighttime, the DC load shall be power supplied by backup battery. Battery duration shall be referred to solar insolation and Equivalent Number of NO-SUN Or BLACK Days data provided by NASA. As per a study prior deciding to select 100% solar power system gas wellhead platform, 100% solar power system CAPEX can totally save about 30% when compared to Hybrid Thermal Electric Generation (TEG) &Solar power generation. In addition, there is no concern about fuel gas properties such as high CO2 on wellhead platform. There is no fuel gas consumption in solar panel power generation which support a green environment.