GE: Three Ways High Power Induction Motor Technology Will Prove A Game-Changer For Today’s Cost-Challenged Oil & Gas Industry

In the wake of falling oil prices, it is now more crucial than ever for oil & gas companies to look at how they can reduce capital and operational expenditure. Underlining this, a recent report from PwC highlights that the oil & gas industry needs “intelligent and strategic cost-cutting” to succeed.

Reliable and efficient technology is key to achieving longer term savings and adding value to oil & gas operations. The good news is that there are some exciting new developments in this space, which could help define the sector’s profitability.

GE’s highest power induction motor technology will be an industry first and has a big role to play in this cost saving drive. In fact, this technology achieves the best of both worlds, lowering costs while increasing performance, whether that is through extended maintenance intervals, easier installation or by reducing the total cost of ownership.  With more than 125 years of experience in rotating machines and more than 30 years in high speed motors, GE is at the cutting edge of these innovations and is dedicated to investing in more efficient solutions so that these cost savings can be transferred to the wider oil and gas industry.

Here are three reasons why high power induction motors will benefit the industry:

1.      Reduced downtime

High power induction motors can be a more reliable alternative to high power synchronous motors or mechanical driven solutions, due to fewer component parts, making installation and maintenance much more straightforward and extending the life of operation. Delivering longer periods of uninterrupted operation, of course, means lower operating costs, and slashes the considerable costs associated with unexpected failure.

2.      More efficient operations
Currently, synchronous motors are often used when a higher power conversion of mechanical output is required. However, new high power induction motors are as efficient as synchronous motors, delivering up to 100 MW of power, and integrated mechanical and electrical design enables optimum compressor operations. This power is delivered by smaller, less power-hungry compressors, making the overall train more efficient than current industry solutions. The motor associated with GE high efficiency VSI drives, also has a wider speed range, offering enhanced operation flexibility and quicker start-up times.

3.      Greater power density
Design simplicity and fewer component parts enable substantial weight and footprint savings when associated with induction technology. As well as allowing easier installation, this reduction in size and weight is incredibly important in offshore applications, where space and mass is at a premium. GE’s highest power induction motor weighs up to 17% less than an equivalent 80MW synchronous motor, and with the enhanced compressor design, can provide in the region of a 36% reduction in the footprint of the complete train.

The evidence is clear. Whilst the oil & gas industry may be forced to scale back expenditure, GE is focused on continued investment into the development of new game changing solutions. Helping heavy industry switch to low maintenance, high reliability electric motors will shape the next decade of developments in oil & gas, laying the foundations of a more efficient and therefore profitable future.

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