Optimisation in natural gas transmission network

Author: A. Osiadacz

The algorithm for steady-state optimisation of large gas networks, based upon.

The Generalised Reduced Gradient method (GRG) is described.

The networks can be of any configuration.

The optimisation is treated as a non-linear problem with non-linear constraints. It is assumed that the structure of the network is known, and such a network consists of compressor stations, valves and regulators, all of which must be on.

The main goal of the described algorithms is to minimise running costs of the operating compressors.

The investigation results are given and these have shown that the GRG is more effective than the Augmented Lagrangian Method.

In addition, the GRG is faster and more convenient to calculate, whereas the Augmented Lagrangian Method requires a reliable initial estimate for the Lagrange multipliers.

A number of recent publications are also described.