High-power inverters designed and manufactured by GA’s Electromagnetic Systems Group can be used to control various types of high-power AC induction motors. While used primarily for transportation applications to date, EMS is currently exploring the potential use of high-power inverters for to drive motors used in the oil and gas industry. One inverter application of particular interest is the control of high-speed motors that can be used to compress gas in natural gas pipelines. EMS inverters are uniquely suited to the high power, high-voltage requirements of these types of advanced rotating machines.
Natural gas compression with high-speed motors can greatly reduce the cost of maintaining gas pressure in natural gas pipelines. High-speed motors are projected to cost less to install and operate than conventional motors or gas turbines. The compact design of EMS power inverters, combined with the small size of high-speed motors, enhances the transportability of this type of compression system and could facilitate gas recovery and transmission from remote areas.