Abstract: A method for starting and operating a plant for the liquefaction of a gaseous product comprising the steps of electrically connecting a variable frequency drive to a motor of a first machine string; increasing the speed of the motor of the first machine string up until a first predefined threshold; electrically disconnecting the variable frequency drive from the motor of the first machine string; electrically connecting the variable frequency drive to a motor of a second machine string; the first predefined threshold is function of said frequency of the power supply grid. The variable frequency drive can be switched during operation of the plant among the strings according to process requirements.

Abstract: A drive system for driving at least one compressor is described. The system comprises a gas turbine configured and arranged for driving the compressor. The gas turbine has a hot end and a cold end. A load coupling for connection of said gas turbine to the compressor is arranged at hot end of the gas turbine. An electric motor/generator arranged at the cold end of the gas turbine. The electric motor/generator is electrically connected to an electric power grid and is adapted to function as a generator for converting excess mechanical power from the gas turbine into electrical power and delivering the electrical power to the electric power grid, and as a motor for supplementing driving power to the compressor.

Abstract: A method for starting and operating a plant for the liquefaction of a gaseous product comprising the steps of electrically connecting a variable frequency drive to a motor of a first machine string; increasing the speed of the motor of the first machine string up until a first predefined threshold; electrically disconnecting the variable frequency drive from the motor of the first machine string; electrically connecting the variable frequency drive to a motor of a second machine string; the first predefined threshold is function of said frequency of the power supply grid. The variable frequency drive can be switched during operation of the plant among the strings according to process requirements.

Abstract: A drive system for driving at least one compressor is described. The system comprises a gas turbine configured and arranged for driving the compressor. The gas turbine has a hot end and a cold end. A load coupling for connection of said gas turbine to the compressor is arranged at hot end of the gas turbine. An electric motor/generator arranged at the cold end of the gas turbine. The electric motor/generator is electrically connected to an electric power grid and is adapted to function as a generator for converting excess mechanical power from the gas turbine into electrical power and delivering the electrical power to the electric power grid, and as a motor for supplementing driving power to the compressor.