Hybrid Energy Holds Promise for Artificial Lift for Offshore Brazilian Fields

Abstract

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper OTC 32671, “Technical Evaluation of the Use of Hybrid Energy (Solar and Offshore Wind) To Supply Artificial Lift Pumps on an Oil Platform on the Equatorial Margin,” by W.K. Silva, Ana L.R. Cunha, SPE, and Ana C. Alves, Federal University of Pará, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. _ The complete paper investigates the relevance of wind and solar energy for the supply of artificial lift systems on offshore platforms in the Brazilian equatorial region. The scope of the authors’ study encompassed a detailed technical and environmental assessment, with an emphasis on the integration of a 10-MW floating solar photovoltaic (FSPV) power system to meet demand for 10 pumps. The results obtained highlight the high viability of the system in meeting the demand of these pumps and ensuring an adequate and sustainable energy supply. Area of Study The equatorial margin is an area in northern Brazil covering part of the sedimentary basins of the equatorial Atlantic. The region is home to important sedimentary basins such as the Amazon Basin, the Pará-Maranhão Basin, the Barreirinhas Basin, the Potiguar Basin, and the Ceará Basin, all known for their hydrocarbon reserves. Offshore oil-exploration activities in the equatorial margin involve the installation of drilling and production platforms that include artificial lift systems. To power these systems, a reliable and continuous power source is required. The use of green energies such as wind and solar can be advantageous in meeting this purpose. For the present study, the coastal city of Salinópolis in the state of Pará was selected because of its plentiful meteorological data and its location in the Pará-Maranhão Basin region. Methodology The methodology of the work consists of the evaluation of the energy required for artificial lifting systems with 10 pumps, using the nine steps developed by Baker Hughes’ Artificial Lift Research and Technology Center for the calculation of the power required to drive the pumps. Additionally, the study uses the System Advisor Model (SAM), November 2022 version, developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to simulate the FSPV. Information related to wind potential was obtained through the measuring stations of the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET).