UCL Discovery
UCL home » Library Services » Electronic resources » UCL Discovery

On the technical and econonmic feasibility of remote area hydrocarbon exploition using offshore electrical power generation and transmission (clean energy producing vessel)

Yap, Eng Hwa; (2009) On the technical and econonmic feasibility of remote area hydrocarbon exploition using offshore electrical power generation and transmission (clean energy producing vessel). Doctoral thesis , UCL (University College London). Green open access

[thumbnail of Yap.Eng.Hwa.thesis.Redacted.pdf]
Preview
Text
Yap.Eng.Hwa.thesis.Redacted.pdf

Download (27MB) | Preview

Abstract

In this thesis the author's research into the technical and economic feasibility of exploiting remote hydrocarbon reserves using Clean Energy Producing Vessel (CEPV) is documented. An opportunity for the CEPV arises because of several concurring issues the demise of UK North Sea offshore oil and gas industry residual gas reserves remaining in small pocket fields in the North Sea and elsewhere which are unconnected by gas pipeline concern over the energy gap in the UK electricity market and recent developments and knowledge in offshore electrical generation and transmission technologies for the offshore industry, primarily developed for the renewable sector. This research programme had three key challenges. Firstly, the concept of CEPV had to be firmly established by considering the current state of the UK electricity supply and demand picture the location, quality and quantity of fuel (primarily natural gas). This research undertaken by literature review led to the specification of the plant itself including identifying appropriate technologies required both offshore and onshore. Secondly, the technological issues were examined in detail including the requirement of a natural gas processing plant to extract valuable condensates the design of an offshore power station with the technological prime-mover options and solutions the generation and transmission of the electrical power and the feasibility of using C02 sequestration. Further consideration was given to the design requirements of an appropriate vessel to house the offshore power station. The approach taken was to examine the technical issues in depth by examining the 'state of the art' then selecting an appropriate solution that met the requirements and identifying particular issues such as cable riser design in greater detail. The third challenge was to assess the economic feasibility of the CEPV. The approach taken was to assess the economics of different scenarios and by making comparisons with a base case model using a discounted cash flow (DCF) model, in which an iterative solution set up to find the internal rate of return (IRR) of the project is used. This analytical method gave the predicted cost of a unit of electricity, which could then be compared against those prices charged by other electicity generators. The thesis as presented is believed to be an original idea and is considered to contribute to the expanding discussions on offshore power generation schemes. The novel contribution is by way of the specification and lies in the technical design and subsequent analysis of the CEPV.

Type: Thesis (Doctoral)
Title: On the technical and econonmic feasibility of remote area hydrocarbon exploition using offshore electrical power generation and transmission (clean energy producing vessel)
Identifier: PQ ETD:592748
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
Language: English
Additional information: Thesis digitised by ProQuest. Third party copyright material has been removed from the ethesis. Images identifying individuals have been redacted or partially redacted to protect their identity.
UCL classification: UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Engineering Science > Dept of Mechanical Engineering
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1445428
Downloads since deposit
57Downloads
Download activity - last month
Download activity - last 12 months
Downloads by country - last 12 months

Archive Staff Only

View Item View Item