Conventional and advanced 5E evaluation of integrated turbocompressor with SOFC-geothermal- steam and organic rankine cycles in gas stations

Abstract

Pipelines transporting gas need several compressor stations, which consume a significant amount of energy. In this study, with the aim to improve the performance of the compressor stations, the high-temperature exhaust gases from the gas turbines are recovered and used in the production of steam in a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG). In this regard, an innovative integrated turbocompressor with SOFC-Geothermal- Steam and Organic Rankine Cycles for gas stations has been proposed. The SOFC is integrated with a HRSG to produce additional steam and with a geothermal system coupled with an ORC to produce additional power. In addition, the exhaust flue gas of the HRSG enters the ORC cycle to produce power. The proposed system considers the Serajeh gas station in Qom city as a case study. To perform a more complete analysis of the integrated system, Exergetic, Exergoeconomic, Exergoenvironmental and Emergy (5E) analysis have been performed. In addition, advanced exergy analysis based on endogenous/exogenous and avoidable/unavoidable parts of exergy destruction have been examined for the novel system. In this regard, a computer program has been developed to perform these analyses. Different organic working fluids have been examined in the ORC unit. The thermodynamic simulation has been verified by Thermoflex Software with high accuracy.