Design and Operations of Gas Transmission Networks

Abstract

Problems dealing with the design and the operations of gas transmission networks are challenging. The difficulty mainly arises from the simultaneous modeling of gas transmission laws and of the investment costs. The combination of the two yields a nonlinear non-convex optimization problem. To obviate this shortcoming, we propose a new formulation as a multi-objective problem, with two objectives. The first one is the investment cost function or a suitable approximation of it; the second is the cost of energy that is required to transmit the gas. This energy cost is approximated by the total energy dissipated into the network. This bi-criterion problem turns out to be convex and easily solvable by convex optimization solvers. Our continuous optimization formulation can be used as an efficient continuous relaxation for problems with non-divisible restrictions such as a limited number of available commercial pipe dimensions.

Convex Optimization for Joint Expansion Planning of Natural Gas and Power Systems

“…Expansions are restricted to pipes and power lines in parallel with existing components. We use pipeline expansion costs defined in [23]. For electric power line expansion costs we consider three scenarios, (Cost Scenario 1) one where all power lines cost the same as the cheapest pipe, (Cost Scenario 2) one where all power lines cost the same as the most expensive pipe, and (Cost Scenario 3) one where they all cost the same as the average pipe.…”

Gas Flow and Network Analysis

“…Figure 4.1 shows the general profile of pressure along the length of a pipeline at different flow rates in which for zero flow, there is no pressure loss so the outlet pressure is the same as the inlet pressure [profile (1)]. The highest flow rate produces the greatest pressure loss giving the lowest outlet pressure Pout (4) [profile (4)] and the lowest flow rate [profile (2)], results in a higher outlet pressure Pout (2).…”

Dynamic Control for Gas Pipeline Systems

“…Minimizing this fuel usage is a major objective in the control of gas transmission costs. The problem has received considerable attention over the past several years in the literature (Mallinson et al, 1993;Gill et al, 2002;Mahlke et al, 2010;Babonneau et al, 2012). Above all, the system must be operated so that gas is supplied where needed, in the quantities needed and at the appropriate pressure.…”