Energy, exergy, exergoenvironmental, and exergoeconomic (4E) analyses of a gas boosting station

Energy, exergy, exergoenvironmental, and exergoeconomic analyses of a natural gas boosting station are presented using a real-gas model and actual operational data. The effect of varies performance parameters on the thermodynamic efficiencies, specific fuel consumption (SFC), gas-phase emissions, and cost rates are assessed. The results show that, for the actual operational conditions of the gas boosting station, the exergy efficiencies are 76.1% and 73.9% in the hot and cold seasons, respectively. Moreover, the energy analysis at partial load reveals that the SFC varies from 0.285 kg/kWh to 0.302 kg/kWh, respectively, in maximum and minimum ambient temperatures. The exergoeconomic analysis along with the exergoenvironmental analysis shows that the total cost rate of gas boosting stations in hot and cold ambient conditions is 7390 US$/h and 8070 US$/h, respectively, with more than 60% related to the environmental impact. In this system, the highest exergoeconomic factor is attributed to the centrifugal gas compressor at 40.9%-44.2% and the lowest to the air cooler at 0.030%-0.036%, depending on the ambient temperature, which specifies the balance between capital cost and the cost of exergy destruction. The cost rate of the exergy destruction is more pronounced in the combustion chamber, and the overall cost rate of the exergy destruction can be improved significantly by increasing turbine inlet temperature which needs additional investment cost for the system.

Automated summary

The study conducted energy, exergy, exergoenvironmental, and exergoeconomic analyses on a natural gas boosting station, revealing the balance between system efficiency and cost under different operating conditions. The results showed significant impact of ambient temperature on system performance and cost rates, with environmental impact playing a key role in total cost rates.