Driller reduced genset run time by 20% using automated power

An onshore drilling contractor in South America wanted to reduce rig emissions while maintaining operational efficiency. SLB recommended enabling the rig with Intelligent Power Management load-dependent start-stop software (IPM LDSS), which automates generator set (genset) run time to optimize the power supplied. The rig electrician completed installation within a single day, and with offsite technical support, the rig promptly began using the IPM LDSS solution. During mature field use, the solution reduced genset running hours by 20%, resulting in a 10% decrease in diesel fuel consumption and the associated emissions.

This integrated solution eliminates up to 200 metric tons of CO₂e emissions per rig annually. After the first successful deployment, the driller installed IPM LDSS into a second rig in that region and intends to add more installations throughout the rig fleet. The Intelligent Power Management solution enabled automating the rig's engine power, optimizing operational efficiency and realizing sustainability objectives.

Transition Technologies

The drilling contractor has two 2,000-horsepower superspec land drilling rigs operating in a remote onshore location. Powering each rig requires four diesel engine gensets capable of supplying over 4 MW of combined electrical output. In recognition that these diesel gensets contribute significantly to drilling emissions, the strategy was to run them only when necessary. This manual operation to match power demand introduced delays and inconsistencies that adversely affected the efficiency of drilling operations.

When drilling, the rig demands high and steady power requiring more gensets running to ensure smooth operations. During nondrilling periods, the power fluctuates with high and low swings. Using automated software to control the power generators is most effective during periods of transient power demand. The software will start and stop the gensets quickly to keep up with the changing power needs. It is preset by the user to start-stop gensets to match rig power load changes over a short time. The IPM LDSS software collectively demonstrated a 20% reduction in genset running hours and a 10% decrease in diesel fuel consumption. This translates to avoiding 200 metric tons of CO₂e emissions each year per rig.

Additionally, the driller benefits from lower genset hours-based maintenance, reducing operating expenses and minimizing HSE exposure. Rig personnel can now focus on well construction tasks rather than manual genset management. Furthermore, the driller is exploring future rig enhancements for sustainable power. SLB has recommended installing the IPM battery energy storage system (IPM BESS). After analyzing the rig power demand history, simulated results show that adding IPM BESS could reduce genset running time up to 50% from the pre-LDSS performance, reducing total fuel and emissions by 24%.