TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Energy Technologies – Future Pathways
Solar, Wind and Nuclear Integration
Forum 21 | Hall 10 - PRINCIPAL BUYER Technical Programme 4
13
October
14:15
15:30
UTC+3
This forum will delve into challenges and opportunities of integrating these diverse energy sources into a cohesive power supply system. It will explore the latest advancements in grid technology, storage solutions, and policy frameworks that enable seamless integration. Participants will learn about the roles of solar and wind in complementing nuclear energy, the importance of balancing supply and demand, and strategies for maximising efficiency and reliability. The session will also address the environmental impacts and regulatory considerations associated with each energy source, offering a comprehensive overview of their synergistic potential in a sustainable energy future.
The objective of this work is to evaluate the efficiency and performance of an Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) system integrated with the Turkey Point Nuclear Plant in the United States. The proposed concept operates by utilizing the excess thermal energy rejected from the Turkey Point nuclear condenser as a major thermal driver to feed and enhance the performance of the OTEC. The study revealed that a standalone OTEC system could produce around 23 MW in the hot season, whereas integration with a nuclear reactor increased power output by around 150% and improved system efficiency by 145%, reaching ~7% efficiency. In the cold season, the OTEC system alone is unable to generate sufficient power, as the temperature gradient driving the system is less than 20 °C. However, with integration, the operation becomes practical and efficient, generating 24 MW with an efficiency of around 3%. These results represent this innovative solution’s potential for utilizing discharge heat generated by the Turkey Point nuclear power plant and the potential to enhance the energy industry sector.
This study presents a hybrid energy management model designed to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of drilling rig operations. The proposed system integrates wind turbines, diesel generators, and advanced battery storage, while also incorporating regenerative braking from drawworks to capture and recycle otherwise wasted energy. The objective is to reduce the reliance on diesel fuel, lower operating costs, and minimize the environmental footprint of drilling activities.
The model evaluates combined energy demands for both generator output and battery charging, enabling optimized power flow and improved energy utilization. Simulation and performance analysis, conducted using a MATLAB/Simulink-based model of a drilling rig power supply, demonstrate that the hybrid system can reduce operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions by more than 25% compared with conventional diesel-only operations. Over the course of one year, analysis further indicates that the system achieves substantial cost savings, with a payback period of approximately 16 months.
The integration of a microgrid approach with optimized battery sizing and regenerative braking highlights significant advantages in life cycle economics. Compared to a baseline diesel configuration, the proposed system demonstrates a life cycle cost reduction of several million dollars, while maintaining the energy reliability required for continuous drilling operations. Beyond the economic benefits, the system contributes to global sustainability goals by reducing emissions and improving overall energy efficiency in both onshore and offshore contexts.
Overall, this research emphasizes the potential of hybrid and regenerative energy solutions to reshape drilling rig power systems. By combining renewable energy, advanced storage, and innovative energy recovery techniques, the model provides a practical pathway toward more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible drilling operations.
The model evaluates combined energy demands for both generator output and battery charging, enabling optimized power flow and improved energy utilization. Simulation and performance analysis, conducted using a MATLAB/Simulink-based model of a drilling rig power supply, demonstrate that the hybrid system can reduce operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions by more than 25% compared with conventional diesel-only operations. Over the course of one year, analysis further indicates that the system achieves substantial cost savings, with a payback period of approximately 16 months.
The integration of a microgrid approach with optimized battery sizing and regenerative braking highlights significant advantages in life cycle economics. Compared to a baseline diesel configuration, the proposed system demonstrates a life cycle cost reduction of several million dollars, while maintaining the energy reliability required for continuous drilling operations. Beyond the economic benefits, the system contributes to global sustainability goals by reducing emissions and improving overall energy efficiency in both onshore and offshore contexts.
Overall, this research emphasizes the potential of hybrid and regenerative energy solutions to reshape drilling rig power systems. By combining renewable energy, advanced storage, and innovative energy recovery techniques, the model provides a practical pathway toward more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible drilling operations.
Xiaoli Zhao
Chair
Vice Dean, Professor, Doctoral Supervisor
School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum
China
Mubarak Alhajeri
Vice Chair
Assistant Professor
Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, PAAET
Kuwait
Ahmad Alshloul
Speaker
Graduated Researcher
MERG (Material and Energy Research Group)
Jordan
The objective of this work is to evaluate the efficiency and performance of an Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) system integrated with the Turkey Point Nuclear Plant in the United States. The proposed concept operates by utilizing the excess thermal energy rejected from the Turkey Point nuclear condenser as a major thermal driver to feed and enhance the performance of the OTEC. The study revealed that a standalone OTEC system could produce around 23 MW in the hot season, whereas integration with a nuclear reactor increased power output by around 150% and improved system efficiency by 145%, reaching ~7% efficiency. In the cold season, the OTEC system alone is unable to generate sufficient power, as the temperature gradient driving the system is less than 20 °C. However, with integration, the operation becomes practical and efficient, generating 24 MW with an efficiency of around 3%. These results represent this innovative solution’s potential for utilizing discharge heat generated by the Turkey Point nuclear power plant and the potential to enhance the energy industry sector.
Ali Gholami
Speaker
Principal Engineering Specialist (PhD)
National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC)
This study presents a hybrid energy management model designed to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of drilling rig operations. The proposed system integrates wind turbines, diesel generators, and advanced battery storage, while also incorporating regenerative braking from drawworks to capture and recycle otherwise wasted energy. The objective is to reduce the reliance on diesel fuel, lower operating costs, and minimize the environmental footprint of drilling activities.
The model evaluates combined energy demands for both generator output and battery charging, enabling optimized power flow and improved energy utilization. Simulation and performance analysis, conducted using a MATLAB/Simulink-based model of a drilling rig power supply, demonstrate that the hybrid system can reduce operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions by more than 25% compared with conventional diesel-only operations. Over the course of one year, analysis further indicates that the system achieves substantial cost savings, with a payback period of approximately 16 months.
The integration of a microgrid approach with optimized battery sizing and regenerative braking highlights significant advantages in life cycle economics. Compared to a baseline diesel configuration, the proposed system demonstrates a life cycle cost reduction of several million dollars, while maintaining the energy reliability required for continuous drilling operations. Beyond the economic benefits, the system contributes to global sustainability goals by reducing emissions and improving overall energy efficiency in both onshore and offshore contexts.
Overall, this research emphasizes the potential of hybrid and regenerative energy solutions to reshape drilling rig power systems. By combining renewable energy, advanced storage, and innovative energy recovery techniques, the model provides a practical pathway toward more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible drilling operations.
The model evaluates combined energy demands for both generator output and battery charging, enabling optimized power flow and improved energy utilization. Simulation and performance analysis, conducted using a MATLAB/Simulink-based model of a drilling rig power supply, demonstrate that the hybrid system can reduce operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions by more than 25% compared with conventional diesel-only operations. Over the course of one year, analysis further indicates that the system achieves substantial cost savings, with a payback period of approximately 16 months.
The integration of a microgrid approach with optimized battery sizing and regenerative braking highlights significant advantages in life cycle economics. Compared to a baseline diesel configuration, the proposed system demonstrates a life cycle cost reduction of several million dollars, while maintaining the energy reliability required for continuous drilling operations. Beyond the economic benefits, the system contributes to global sustainability goals by reducing emissions and improving overall energy efficiency in both onshore and offshore contexts.
Overall, this research emphasizes the potential of hybrid and regenerative energy solutions to reshape drilling rig power systems. By combining renewable energy, advanced storage, and innovative energy recovery techniques, the model provides a practical pathway toward more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible drilling operations.
