Sustainable Power Bank Solutions to Power Up Instrumentation and Data Acquisition Systems (IDAS), A Step Towards Net-Zero Emissions
Authors: Pillai Jason , Mheidat Ala'a Eldin , Abdulrahman Ahmed Yousef 
Published: November 2024

Stirring the oilfield operations to be more ecofriendly, powering up Instrumentation and Data Acquisition Systems (IDAS), which are fundamentally important for collecting key parameter-based measurements in the oil and gas industry, through a mobile solar powered distribution panel (PDP) demonstrates a highly efficient solution for a sustainable future. This paper will describe the process of upgrading the power supply of IDAS devices to solar energy and results achieved in terms of performance efficiency and cost.

The transformation of distributing power to direct photoelectric conversion of the suns energy through photovoltaic (PV) panels is accomplished by replacing power supply units with a mobile power bank able to provide power output for multi-voltage/current applications. Furthermore, a tower light is annexed onto the mobile solar unit allowing for an adaptable illumination source during activities tackled after sunset. An in-depth analysis is completed highlighting factors such as power consumption, operational expenditure, environmental considerations, and hazard management to recommend a suitable design with the appropriate specifications.

When looking from an economic standpoint, IDAS apparatus in the oil and gas industry generally run on low DC voltage applications allowing solar energy to be the perfect substitute for power administration in comparison to diesel generators. This was not only a cost-effective option reducing overall charges by 65%, but also a more sustainable approach in the race to eliminate high amounts of emissions produced on a daily basis in the energy industry. Transitioning to solar fueled operations also reduced the hazards and costs posed to the safeguarding of the personnel by supporting the dispersion of clean energy to the atmosphere emitting less than 20 times the CO2 amount in relation to other combustible sources. In retrospect, the presence of a lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack helps keep the instruments and machinery powered during nightfall activities. Mobile solar energy assemblies are much more flexible in design compared to other stationary and heavy-duty power sources making it an easier alternative for confined layout applications. Conclusively, mobile solar powered PDP and tower light designs achieved additional cost saving in the long run; but more importantly encourages the conversion from the current path of high carbon emission procedures to a more ecofriendly one in a leading example of sustainable development in the petroleum industry.

This paper will provide the readers with an in-depth knowledge of methodology, configuration, and applicability of converting IDAS power supply from the traditional based sources to solar energy. This transition to solar powered energy can be the building block for a plethora of novel ideas integrated towards sustainable driven instrumentation. It can lead to the further study of low current equipment which directly integrates solar panels in its primary design.