The Challenge
Changes in the source for power generation put oil production at risk
An oil field located in Patagonia, Argentina, in an area that is difficult to access and has a hostile climate, is being exploited by one of the largest oil and gas companies in the world.
Energy was generated from a point that served as the main source to two secondary points, creating an interconnected local system. Any time a failure occurred in the interconnected system, rapid stabilization of the system was necessary during the transition from base load mode to island mode.
It was also a priority to provide a measure of safety to the generators operating in island mode while increasing their output, due to the reduction of the spinning reserve. If the flow of energy was not continuous, steady, or secure, this could cause interruptions that would affect oil production processes to a significant degree.
Key Facts
- 3 MW of energy storage
- 500 000 bpd of production
- 5 year contract
The Solution
Energy storage to stabilize voltage and frequency360-minute and 1 MW
Capacity batteries each were mobilized and installed in order to provide power while the source changes, thus allowing the flow of energy between the different points to stabilize and guaranteeing the reliability of the electrical system.
The batteries are capable of counteracting the frequency and voltage deviations in the system in very short and precise amounts of time.
Likewise, the energy storage systems were used to absorb and store the surplus energy produced, in a manner that reused it within the same field, enabling the customer to harness the energy it was producing for its own use.
The Impact
Uninterrupted continuation of production
The flow of energy was stabilized when the transition took place, helping to optimize operational performance and thus continue production of an average 500,000 bpd. In addition, the customer was able to reduce its energy costs by being able to reuse the surplus energy its generation plants were producing.