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Natural Gas Generator¤

Overview¤

Natural Gas Generators (NG GEN) are power generation units that convert the chemical energy of natural gas into electrical energy. These generators are widely used due to their reliability, efficiency, and lower emissions compared to other fossil fuels. They are suitable for a range of applications, from residential backup power to large-scale industrial and utility power generation.

Process Description¤

  1. Natural Gas Supply: Natural gas is supplied to the generator from a pipeline or storage tank.
  2. Air Intake and Compression: Ambient air is drawn into the generator and compressed to mix with the natural gas.
  3. Combustion: The natural gas-air mixture is ignited in the combustion chamber, producing high-temperature, high-pressure gases.
  4. Mechanical Energy Conversion: The expanding gases drive a piston (in reciprocating engines) or a turbine (in gas turbines), converting thermal energy into mechanical energy.
  5. Electrical Energy Generation: The mechanical energy is used to drive an alternator, which generates electricity.
  6. Exhaust: The combustion gases are expelled through an exhaust system, often with emissions control technologies to reduce pollutants.

Benefits¤

  • Reliability: Natural gas generators are known for their reliable operation and quick start-up capabilities.
  • Lower Emissions: Compared to coal and oil, natural gas combustion produces lower levels of CO2, NOx, and SOx.
  • Fuel Availability: Natural gas is widely available and often delivered through extensive pipeline infrastructure.

Applications¤

  • Residential Backup Power: Provides emergency power for homes during outages.
  • Commercial and Industrial Power: Supplies electricity for businesses, factories, and industrial processes.
  • Utility Power Generation: Used in power plants to generate electricity for the grid, often as peaking plants to meet demand spikes.
  • Remote Power: Suitable for remote locations without access to the grid, such as construction sites and mining operations.

Challenges¤

  • Fuel Supply and Price Volatility: Dependence on natural gas supply and fluctuations in natural gas prices can impact operational costs.
  • Emissions: Although cleaner than coal or oil, natural gas combustion still produces greenhouse gases and other pollutants.
  • Infrastructure: Requires an established natural gas infrastructure for fuel delivery and storage.

Future Outlook¤

Advancements in natural gas generator technology, such as improved combustion techniques and emissions control, are expected to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

ES Model Parameters¤

In EnergyScope this technology is only used off-grid.

All the parameters concerning the Natural Gas Generator are listed in the table below.

entry_key value unit sets source_reference
ELECTRICITY_OG (layer) 1 - CAN Slaymaker, Amara, (2021): "Demographic and Geographic Region Definition in Energy System Modelling. A Case Study of Canada's Path to Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050 and the Role of Hydrogen"
NG_LP (layer) -2.9412 - CAN Slaymaker, Amara, (2021): "Demographic and Geographic Region Definition in Energy System Modelling. A Case Study of Canada's Path to Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050 and the Role of Hydrogen"
c_inv 177 MCHF/GW CAN Slaymaker, Amara, (2021): "Demographic and Geographic Region Definition in Energy System Modelling. A Case Study of Canada's Path to Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050 and the Role of Hydrogen"
c_maint 200 MCHF/GW/y CAN Slaymaker, Amara, (2021): "Demographic and Geographic Region Definition in Energy System Modelling. A Case Study of Canada's Path to Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050 and the Role of Hydrogen"
c_p 0.2 - CAN Slaymaker, Amara, (2021): "Demographic and Geographic Region Definition in Energy System Modelling. A Case Study of Canada's Path to Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050 and the Role of Hydrogen"
lifetime 25 y CAN Slaymaker, Amara, (2021): "Demographic and Geographic Region Definition in Energy System Modelling. A Case Study of Canada's Path to Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050 and the Role of Hydrogen"
ref_size 10 kW CAN Slaymaker, Amara, (2021): "Demographic and Geographic Region Definition in Energy System Modelling. A Case Study of Canada's Path to Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050 and the Role of Hydrogen"
trl 9 - CAN Slaymaker, Amara, (2021): "Demographic and Geographic Region Definition in Energy System Modelling. A Case Study of Canada's Path to Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050 and the Role of Hydrogen"

References¤

Data Sources
Slaymaker, Amara. (2021). "Demographic and Geographic Region Definition in Energy System Modelling. A Case Study of Canada's Path to Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050 and the Role of Hydrogen"