In a significant stride towards integrating energy systems, researchers have developed a novel method to model gas grids using electrical analogies, paving the way for more efficient and safe joint operations of power and gas networks. This breakthrough, published in the journal “IEEE Access” (which translates to “IEEE Open Access”), is led by Daniela Vorwerk from the Department of Electrical Engineering at the Helmut Schmidt University/University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg, Germany.
The study introduces the “Extended Node Method,” originally designed for power grids, to gas networks by interpreting the isothermal Euler equations within an electrical context. This approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the gas grid’s behavior under both steady-state and dynamic conditions.
“By representing gas grid components as electrical equivalents, we can leverage the well-established tools and techniques from power grid analysis,” Vorwerk explained. This method primarily models a gas pipeline as an ohmic resistance in steady-state, but also accounts for inductive and capacitive behaviors during transient flows.
The research demonstrates that the steady-state results of this method show high agreement with established tools like Simulink/Simscape and pandapipes. Moreover, the computational efficiency of the model increases with higher spatial resolution of pipeline segments, although minor deviations are observed in dynamic considerations due to electromagnetic effects.
This innovative approach has profound implications for the energy sector. As the world moves towards multi-energy grids and sector-coupling, the ability to model and analyze gas grids using electrical analogies can enhance the safety, efficiency, and intelligence of joint power and gas grid operations. It can also facilitate better network condition estimates and understanding of propagating effects, which are crucial for stable and reliable energy supply.
Vorwerk’s work is a testament to the potential of interdisciplinary research in driving forward the energy transition. By bridging the gap between gas and power grids, this method could shape future developments in the field, fostering a more integrated and resilient energy infrastructure.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, such advancements in modeling and analysis will be instrumental in navigating the complexities of multi-energy systems. This research not only contributes to the academic discourse but also offers practical tools for energy professionals to optimize grid operations and plan for a sustainable energy future.