Oil & gas U
nlike power stations built solely to generate grid electricity, oil and gas production facilities, whether onshore or offshore, use power to drive vital equipment such as pumps, compressors, safety systems and control infrastructure.
Often situated in remote areas without grid access, such as offshore platforms or isolated desert and tundra regions, these facilities usually generate their own electricity using turbines or generator sets powered by hydrocarbons extracted onsite. Power demands vary across operational phases, from drilling to reinjection, which can cause fluctuations in voltage and frequency. Combined with environmental stressors like saltwater corrosion and heat, these fluctuations place significant strain on electrical infrastructure.
THE IMPORTANCE OF EXCITATION SYSTEMS
Excitation systems are crucial in addressing these power demand challenges. By regulating generator voltage and providing reactive power support, they supply direct current (DC) power to the generator field windings, creating a magnetic field in the rotor that induces alternating current (AC) in the stator. A well-designed excitation system precisely controls the generator voltage, rapidly adjusting to load fluctuations. It can handle sudden shifts without triggering instability and normally includes features like fault detection and limiters for quick corrective actions.
While oil and gas facilities often operate in isolated or islanded modes, disconnected from the national grid, voltage stability and reactive power support remain critical. In cases where local grid codes apply, such as the Saudi Arabian Grid Code, facilities may be required to comply. However, many operate under less regualted requirements due to their independent or microgrid status. By stabilising the generator’s voltage and supporting reactive power, a well-maintained excitation system ensures consistent performance with minimal maintenance. Unlike static systems, it eliminates the need for brushes and commutators, components prone to wear and the accumulation of carbon dust. This reduces downtime and improves reliability.
Oil and gas production facilities often have specific design and maintenance requirements, for which brushless excitation systems are particularly suitable. Unlike static excitation systems, which rely on additional components like brushes and external rectifiers, brushless excitation systems are compact. Their smaller size allows direct integration into the generator, eliminating the need for bulky external enclosures on offshore platforms with space at a premium. With fewer moving parts and minimal maintenance, brushless systems offer improved reliability and reduced operational costs, ideal for decentralised or remote installations.
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STRONG AND STABLE EXPLORATION: HOW EXCITATION SYSTEMS REDUCE MAINTENANCE AND BOOST OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION
With over 93,000 oil and gas exploration and production businesses operating worldwide in 2024, these facilities are still key to many modern economies. However, beneath the surface lies a network of electrical systems that ensure continuous operations. Here Matthew Slater, director at excitation specialist Excitation & Engineering Services (EES), explores how brushless excitation systems enhance voltage stability, reduce maintenance and improve reliability in oil and gas production facilities.
October 2025 Instrumentation Monthly
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