A large petroleum extraction base located deep in the Rub' al Khali desert has a vast operation area, covering multiple oil well extraction points, living camps, and various petroleum processing facilities. The average temperature in this area during summer is over 45°C, and the surface temperature often exceeds 70°C. Moreover, sandstorms are rampant, and the dust concentration is extremely high, making the environment extremely harsh. Due to its remoteness from the urban power grid, constructing a stable and efficient self-provided power generation system has become a crucial task to ensure the normal operation of the base.
In view of the particularities of the high-temperature desert environment, the following key factors were fully considered during the selection of generator sets:
Engines specifically designed for high-temperature environments were selected. Their cooling systems were designed, equipped with high-flow cooling water pumps and efficient radiators, which can effectively dissipate the heat generated by the engines during high-temperature operation. The lubricating oil and fuel systems of the engines were also specially optimized to ensure that the viscosity of the lubricating oil remains stable and the atomization effect of the fuel is good under high temperatures, thus maintaining the normal combustion and lubrication of the engines.
High-performance air filters were installed in the intake systems of both the generators and the engines. They have high filtering precision and can effectively block tiny dust particles from entering the interior of the equipment, preventing sand and dust from causing wear to key components such as the engine cylinders, pistons, and generator windings. Meanwhile, the outer casing of the generator set was made of materials with good sealing performance and durability, which can minimize the intrusion of sand and dust into the interior of the equipment.
Considering the simultaneous operation of multiple high-power equipment in the petroleum extraction base and the possible future expansion needs, a generator set with sufficient power reserve was selected. This unit adopts an advanced electronic speed regulation system and voltage regulation device, which can respond quickly under large load fluctuations, maintaining the stability of the output voltage and frequency and ensuring the normal operation of various precision petroleum extraction and processing equipment.
At the selected installation site of the generator set, concrete foundations were first poured. The design of the foundations was calculated and constructed strictly according to the weight, vibration amplitude of the generator set, and the local geological conditions, ensuring that the foundations have sufficient bearing capacity and stability, can effectively absorb the vibrations generated during the operation of the generator set, and prevent the equipment from shifting or being damaged due to an unstable foundation.
To reduce the direct impact of high temperature and sandstorms on the generator set, special protective sheds were built around the foundations. The protective sheds were made of heat-insulating and sun-proof materials, which can effectively reduce the temperature inside the sheds. Meanwhile, windproof sand louvers and filters were installed at the entrances, exits, and ventilation openings of the protective sheds to further block sand and dust from entering. In addition, a drainage system was set up around the protective sheds to deal with the occasional heavy rain in the desert area and prevent water accumulation from damaging the generator set.