A Performance Comparison of Aero-Derivative Gas Turbines and Electric Variable Speed Drives in Pipeline Compressor Duty on TransCanada’s Canadian Mainline

Abstract

Since the early 1960’s, the use of aero-derivative and industrial gas turbines on TransCanada’s natural gas transmission system has been the norm, with a total of 245 units installed to date. In 1996 and 1997 the company installed six high-speed, 30.6 MW, variable speed, electric drive systems. In the same time period eight aero-derivative gas turbines of similar power, with Dry Low Emissions, were installed.</jats:p> <jats:p>After an elapse of three years running time we now have enough data to compare the performance of the two different compressor drivers.</jats:p> <jats:p>A comparison of the performance of the two prime movers is made in a number of different ways. Operation and maintenance costs of the two different systems are considered, including the fuel costs of the natural gas and electricity, from three different Canadian electric power utilities.