Energy efficiency evaluation of a natural gas pipeline based on an analytic hierarchy process

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A long-distance natural gas pipeline system consists of considerable equipment and many pipe segments, but the conventional energy efficiency index of a natural gas pipeline is considered as a whole. Because the specific energy consumption of each unit cannot be determined, the index system is not perfect, and evaluating the energy efficiency of a natural gas pipeline system is difficult. The energy efficiency evaluation model for a natural gas pipeline was established using the analytic hierarchy process. A judgment matrix was constructed based on the energy efficiency index system of a long-distance natural gas pipeline, and the weight coefficient was calculated using the characteristic root method. Then, the consistency of the established judgment matrix was verified. The energy efficiency evaluation model successfully quantified the qualitative factors that affect natural gas pipelines. The comprehensive energy efficiency coefficient G of the natural gas pipeline was obtained from the operational data of the natural gas pipeline; then, the equipment or pipe segments with high energy consumption can be identified. The energy efficiency evaluation program of the natural gas pipeline was developed using Visual Basic for Applications, which significantly reduced the evaluation workload. The natural gas pipeline energy efficiency evaluation model is used to evaluate the energy efficiency of a natural gas pipeline, to identify the high energy consumption equipment or pipe segments, and to propose measures to improve the energy efficiency. The results show that the gas pipeline energy efficiency evaluation model and evaluation procedures can identify high energy consumption equipment or pipe sections in complex natural gas pipelines.