19 - Optimization in Natural Gas Network Planning

Abstract

Optimization of network design, network flow, and network operation has been considered as a fundamental issue in different research fields from technical and financial perspectives. Usually, network problems are known as complex structural problems that, in real cases, seek optimal solutions. Considering the characteristics of network optimization problems, a large number of algorithms have been developed in the literature, and many tried to solve them in reliable times to find the most suitable and optimal solutions. As one of the most important sources of energy, natural gas is used to satisfy the needs of many commercial and residential users throughout the world through a huge and complex network. Each day, a large amount of money is spent on the different stages and main processes of this network, such as exploration, extraction, processing, production, transportation, storage, and distribution. Since the 1960s, many different problems have been defined for the planning of design, flow, operation, and development of natural gas transmission and distribution networks. The natural gas network planning problems are multidisciplinary, and have been tackled by researchers in different fields from around the world.