Visitamos uma USINA a GÁS NATURAL #Boravê

Summary

This video takes us on a journey to Maranhão, Brazil, where we explore Eneva's Parnaíba Complex, a pioneering natural gas power plant. The facility uses an efficient process that extracts natural gas from onshore wells, treats it, and converts it into electricity. The plant integrates both natural gas and steam turbines in a combined cycle to maximize energy production. This system provides reliable backup power when renewable sources like solar or wind are insufficient. With the ability to generate 1.9 GW of electricity, the complex can power millions of homes while supporting Brazil's energy grid.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Maranhão region hosts the Parnaíba Complex, a pioneering natural gas power plant in Brazil, combining gas extraction and energy production in one place.
• 😀 Natural gas is a fossil fuel, but it's less polluting than diesel, making it an efficient and cleaner energy source for thermoelectric plants.
• 😀 Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are the future, but thermoelectric plants are still essential for providing energy when renewables aren’t sufficient.
• 😀 Natural gas, a mix of hydrocarbons including methane, is extracted from deep underground reservoirs called onshore reserves, which are cheaper and easier to access than offshore ones.
• 😀 The gas extracted from the wells is processed to remove water and other substances, which is crucial for its efficient combustion and use in power generation.
• 😀 Once processed, the natural gas is either transported through pipelines or turned into electricity on-site, which is quicker and cheaper than long-distance transport.
• 😀 The Parnaíba Complex uses a combined cycle system, where gas-fired turbines generate electricity and the waste heat is used to power a second turbine, increasing efficiency by 50%.
• 😀 The plant utilizes a condenser to cool down and convert the steam back into water, which is then reused in the system.
• 😀 The plant can be quickly activated as needed, making it a flexible energy source to supplement renewable energy when supply from solar or wind isn’t enough.
• 😀 The Parnaíba Complex generates up to 1.9 GW of electricity, enough to supply power to approximately 8 million homes across Brazil.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the natural gas power plant in Maranhão?

The power plant in Maranhão, located in Santo Antônio dos Lopes, is designed to generate electricity by using natural gas. It operates on a pioneering system in Brazil known as the 'Reservat Wire' model, which involves extracting natural gas from reserves, processing it, and converting it into electrical energy.

Why are natural gas power plants still being built despite the push for renewable energy?

Although renewable energy sources like solar and wind are the future, natural gas power plants are still necessary because they provide a reliable backup. Renewable energy sources depend on specific conditions like sunlight, wind, or water flow, so thermoelectric plants, such as those using natural gas, are crucial when renewable sources are insufficient.

What makes the natural gas used in the plant different from other fossil fuels?

Natural gas is a mixture of hydrocarbons, primarily methane, which is considered a cleaner fossil fuel compared to others like coal or diesel. It produces less pollution and is more efficient when used in power generation.

How is the natural gas extracted from the ground?

The natural gas is extracted from onshore reserves located deep underground, over 1,000 meters below the surface. This is done using equipment called 'Christmas trees,' which control the flow of gas and ensure safety.

What happens to the natural gas once it is extracted from the ground?

After being extracted, the gas is sent through gas pipelines to a treatment plant where impurities like water and hydrocarbons are removed. The water is then returned to the environment, and the hydrocarbons, or condensates, are sold to industries.

Why is the gas converted into electricity at the same location?

Converting the gas into electricity on-site is more efficient and cost-effective than transporting the gas to other locations. Transporting electricity is simpler and cheaper than transporting natural gas, especially over long distances.

How does the power generation process work at the plant?

In the plant, air and natural gas are combined and burned in a turbine, creating high-pressure gases that turn the turbine and generate electricity. This process drives a generator at 3,600 rotations per minute. The heat from the gas combustion is not wasted but is used to create additional power through a secondary turbine.

What is the 'combined cycle' method used in this power plant?

The 'combined cycle' method uses two turbines. The first turbine is powered by burning natural gas, while the second turbine is powered by the heat generated from the first turbine’s exhaust. This process increases the efficiency of electricity production by up to 50%.

How does the plant ensure that the heat generated is effectively utilized?

The hot exhaust gases from the first turbine are passed through a heat exchanger, where they heat water to produce steam. This steam drives a second turbine, which generates additional electricity, making the process more efficient.

What happens to the steam after it passes through the second turbine?

After passing through the second turbine, the steam is cooled and condensed back into water in a condenser. This process helps to convert the steam back into liquid water, which is then reused in the system.

How is the electricity generated by the plant distributed across Brazil?

The electricity generated at the plant is transformed into high voltage (500,000 volts) by transformers, allowing it to be efficiently transported through the national grid and distributed to homes and industries across Brazil.

What is the overall capacity of the Parnaíba complex, and how many homes can it supply?

The Parnaíba complex has a total capacity of 1.9 gigawatts (GW), which is enough to supply electricity to around 8 million homes.