Operational strategy to minimize operating cost in LNG terminal using a comprehensive numerical boil-off gas model

Abstract

To address global warming and climate change, many countries have made efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Natural gas is a sustainable and promising energy source that emits half as much carbon dioxide (CO2) as coal. Because the European Union includes natural gas in its green classification system, its demand is expected to increase. However, owing to its characteristics, natural gas must be stored in a cryogenic liquid state, leading to an increase in the boil-off gas (BOG) processing costs and affecting the stable supply of liquid natural gas (LNG) terminals with increasing LNG transaction volume. This study proposes Send-out controlling to reduce the operating costs of LNG terminals. Send-out controlling replaces the excessive power consumption of high pressure (HP) compressors with pumps. It was performed using an integrated BOG numerical model and the heat exchange ratios between LNG and BOG. Unlike existing equipment and insulation enhancements, Send-out controlling does not incur additional costs. By applying the proposed Send-out controlling method and replacing the HP compressors with pumps, the operating cost of the LNG terminal can be reduced by 11.75%. This study proposed an operational scenario for an LNG terminal that is expected to contribute to reducing the operating costs of LNG terminals without installing any additional equipment. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd