The common gas sources for gas generator sets mainly include the following types:
Natural gas
Composition: The main component is methane, and it also contains small amounts of ethane, propane, butane, as well as impurities such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Under normal circumstances, the methane content in commercial natural gas is generally above 90%.
Characteristics: Natural gas has the advantages of being clean and environmentally friendly, having high combustion efficiency and stable supply. It generates less pollutants after combustion, such as low emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which is environmentally friendly. Moreover, the supply of natural gas transported through pipelines is relatively stable, which can meet the long-term and stable operation requirements of gas generator sets.
Applicable scenarios: It is suitable for various enterprises in cities, such as factories, hospitals, data centers, etc. These places have high requirements for the stability and environmental friendliness of power supply, and the regions where they are located have a stable natural gas pipeline supply network.
Coalbed methane
Composition: The main component is also methane, but its methane content is usually between 30% and 90%, and it also contains a certain amount of nitrogen, carbon dioxide and a small amount of heavy hydrocarbon gas.
Characteristics: Coalbed methane is an associated gas produced during the coal mining process and belongs to unconventional natural gas. The development and utilization of coalbed methane can not only be used as an energy supply, but also reduce the risk of gas explosion in coal mines, and has good safety benefits and environmental benefits. However, the collection and treatment of coalbed methane are relatively complex and require the construction of a dedicated collection system based on the specific conditions of the coal mine.
Applicable scenarios: Mainly applicable to coal mining enterprises or enterprises in the surrounding areas. Coal mining enterprises can generate electricity by utilizing the coalbed methane produced during their mining processes, achieving self-sufficiency in energy, reducing production costs, and simultaneously cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Coke oven gas
Composition: It mainly contains flammable gases such as hydrogen, methane and carbon monoxide, and also contains small amounts of carbon dioxide, nitrogen and oxygen, etc. Among them, the hydrogen content is generally around 50% to 60%, and the methane content is around 20% to 30%.
Feature: Coke oven gas is a by-product generated during the coking process and has a relatively high calorific value. If not utilized, direct discharge will cause serious environmental pollution and energy waste. Applying it to gas power generation units for power generation can not only achieve comprehensive utilization of resources but also reduce pollution to the environment. However, coke oven gas contains a certain amount of impurities, such as tar, naphthalene, hydrogen sulfide, etc., which need to be strictly purified to prevent corrosion and damage to the equipment of the generator set.
Applicable scenarios: Mainly applicable to coking enterprises and industrial enterprises with coke oven gas supply in the surrounding area. Coking enterprises can generate electricity by recycling coke oven gas to meet their own production electricity demands, and at the same time sell the excess electricity to increase economic benefits.
Biogas
Composition: The main components are methane and carbon dioxide, with the methane content typically ranging from 50% to 70% and the carbon dioxide content from 30% to 50%. Additionally, it contains small amounts of hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen, and hydrogen, among others.
Feature: Biogas is a combustible gas produced by the fermentation of organic matter under anaerobic conditions through microbial action. It has a wide range of sources. For instance, livestock and poultry manure from breeding farms, sludge from urban sewage treatment plants, and straw from rural areas can all be used as raw materials for biogas production. Biogas power generation has excellent environmental and social benefits, and can achieve harmless treatment and resource utilization of organic waste. However, the production of biogas requires certain fermentation conditions and equipment, and the calorific value of biogas is relatively low. Therefore, appropriate modifications and adjustments to the power generation units are necessary.
Applicable scenarios: It is suitable for various livestock farms, sewage treatment plants and biogas projects in rural areas. Livestock farms can generate electricity by using biogas produced from livestock and poultry manure, providing electricity and heat for the farms and achieving the recycling of energy. Sewage treatment plants generate electricity by treating sludge to produce biogas, which can meet part of their own electricity demand and reduce operating costs.