Cold energy recovery performance study for liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification process

Abstract

The Earth's cleanest burning fossil fuel - natural gas (NG), is primarily methane (CH4) with smaller quantities of other hydrocarbons. As the grid is decarbonizing, the role of NG on the road to a decarbonized future is indisputable. NG is often compressed and converted into liquified natural gas (LNG) that occupies 600 times less space than its gaseous form, optimizing its storability and delivery efficiency. This logistical flexibility helps improve the security of NG supplies worldwide and is making LNG one of the fastest-growing energy markets. At the LNG terminals, LNG is converted back into its gaseous state by regasification, then, distributed across the network, from remote production areas to distant markets where NG supplies are needed. Regasification of LNG releases a significant amount of cold energy. This paper examines the effect of Open Rack Vaporizer (ORV) efficiency and the potential of recoverable cold energy in the LNG regasification process. All data were collected from the industry-leading LNG regasification terminal in Malaysia - The Pengerang LNG (Two) SDN. Bhd. (PLNG2). The results of this study showed that the monthly potential of recoverable cold energy is around 43 MW and the efficiency of ORV is ranged from 60 % to 95 %. In addition, it has been found that the flow rate of LNG and the flow rate of seawater are two significant parameters that affect the potential recoverable cold energy.