Computer-Aided Simulation Model for Natural Gas Pipeline Network System Operations

Abstract

This paper presents the development of a computer-aided simulation model for natural gas pipeline network system operations. The simulation model is a useful tool for simulating and analyzing the behavior of natural gas pipeline systems under different operating conditions. Historical data and knowledge of natural gas pipeline system operations are crucial information used in formulating the simulation model. This model incorporates the natural gas properties, energy balance, and mass balance that lay the foundation of knowledge for natural gas pipeline network systems. The user can employ the simulation model to create a natural gas pipeline network system, selecting the components of natural gas, pipe diameters, and compressor capacities for different seasons. Because the natural gas consumption rate continuously varies with time, the dynamic simulation model was built to display state variables of the natural gas pipeline system and to provide guidance to the users on how to operate the system properly...