Power System Study for Pre-FEED of Power Factor Improvement in Qatar Gas

Power system study was carried out by IFluids Engineering, Qatar for the pre-feed of power factor improvement for electrical power system in Qatar gas RLTO facilities

Overview

iFluids Engineering, Qatar, conducted a Power System Study for the pre-FEED (Front-End Engineering Design) of power factor improvement in Qatar Gas RLTO (Ras Laffan Terminal Operations) facilities. This study focused on enhancing the reliability, safety, and efficiency of the electrical power system to ensure optimal performance in critical facilities.

Learn more about Power System Studies.

Background

The RLTO facilities, including LNG S&L, Non-LNG S&L, and the Common Sulphur Plant (CSP) area, are powered by KAHRAMAA, Qatar’s National Grid. According to KAHRAMAA regulations, the power factor of substations must be maintained within the range of 0.9 lagging to 0.95 leading. Substations with a lagging power factor below 0.9 require additional reactive power compensation systems to meet compliance.

Objectives of the Study

Infographic listing objectives of a power system study: simulating electrical networks, evaluating power factor at PCC, ensuring KAHRAMAA compliance via PFC, and optimizing capacitor bank ratings
Qatar Gas RLTO objectives—simulation, power factor, KAHRAMAA compliance, capacitor design
  1. Simulate Electrical Systems: Analyze the actual condition of electrical systems in substations.
  2. Determine Existing Power Factor: Evaluate the power factor at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC) and recommend corrections.
  3. Provide Power Factor Correction (PFC): Ensure compliance with KAHRAMAA regulations under varying load conditions.
  4. Simulate Capacitor Bank Ratings: Design and simulate new capacitor banks for optimal performance.

Key Components and Models

A diagram illustrating key components and models in an electrical system. The central circle contains the text "Key Components and Models," with six surrounding labels: "Transformer Model (01)," "AC Network Model (02)," "Cable Model (03)," "Motor Load Model (04)," "Lumped Load Model (05)," and "Capacitor Bank Model (06).
Key Electrical System Models: Transformer, AC Network, Cable, Motor Load, Lumped Load, and Capacitor Bank

The study involved detailed modeling of various components to ensure accurate analysis and simulation:

1. Transformer Model

  • Turns Ratio: Voltage transformation ratio.
  • Impedance: Resistance and reactance affecting fault currents and voltage regulation.
  • Core and Copper Losses: Hysteresis, eddy currents, and winding losses.
  • Magnetizing Current: Required to establish magnetic flux.
  • Tap Changer: Simulate voltage regulation with on-load tap changers.
  • Saturation Effects: Account for magnetic core saturation.

2. AC Network Model

  • Electrical Components: Includes transformers, circuit breakers, capacitors, and more.
  • Transmission Lines: Impedance, capacitance, and inductance representation.
  • Loads: Industrial, commercial, and residential loads.
  • Generators: Distributed energy resources connected to the grid.
  • Protection Systems: Simulate relay and control responses during faults.

3. Cable Model

Represents electrical cables connecting components. Models analyze power losses, transient effects, and voltage drops.

4. Motor Load Model

Essential for studying motor starting inrush currents and dynamic load behavior under various operating conditions.

5. Lumped Load Model

Simplifies the analysis by aggregating small loads like lighting and heating into equivalent components.

6. Capacitor Bank Model

Used for reactive power compensation and power factor correction. Includes reactive power ratings and switching control schemes.

Load Flow Simulation Analysis

What is Load Flow Analysis?

Load flow simulation, or power flow analysis, examines the steady-state behavior of an electrical network. It determines:

  • Voltage magnitude and phase angle at each bus (node).
  • Power flow through transmission lines and transformers.

Steps in Load Flow Simulation:

  1. Power System Representation: Network model with buses, transmission lines, and components.
  2. Power Flow Equations: Solve nonlinear algebraic equations for active and reactive power balance.
  3. Load Flow Solution: Iterative methods like Newton-Raphson ensure convergence.
  4. Voltage and Power Analysis: Identify steady-state operating conditions.
  5. Validation: Analyze results for voltage violations, equipment overload, and reactive power balance. Implement corrective measures as needed.

Benefits of Load Flow Analysis:

  • Ensures reliability and stability of the power system.
  • Identifies voltage and power flow issues.
  • Optimizes system performance for KAHRAMAA compliance.

Advanced Modeling and Validation

Using state-of-the-art power system analysis software, engineers simulated and validated models with field measurements to ensure accuracy. Key analyses included:

  • Load Flow Analysis
  • Fault Studies
  • Voltage Regulation Analysis
  • Dynamic Simulations

These analyses optimized the RLTO power system, ensuring compliance with KAHRAMAA standards and improving operational efficiency.

Conclusion

The Power System Study conducted by iFluids Engineering successfully addressed power factor improvement in Qatar Gas RLTO facilities. Through advanced modeling and analysis, the project achieved:

  • Compliance with KAHRAMAA regulations.
  • Enhanced power system reliability and efficiency.
  • Optimized reactive power compensation and voltage regulation.

For inquiries about power system studies or engineering consultancy, contact iFluids Engineering.