Optimization of Fuel Consumption in Compressor Stations

Abstract

Natural gas passing through pipelines is transported by means of compressor stations that are installed in pipeline-network systems. These stations are usually installed at intervals greater than 60 miles to overcome pressure loss, and typically, they consume approximately 3 to 5% of the transported gas, making the problem of how to optimally operate the compressors driving the gas in a pipeline network important. The objective function of the optimization model is a nonlinear mathematical relationship. The model has been studied to minimize the fuel consumption in the compressor stations and to obtain suitable decision-making variables. Genetic algorithms are used as the optimization methodology, and the software program Lingo (Thompson 2011) is used to compare the optimization results. Two cases of centrifugal compressor stations with different performances are studied. The optimization model aims to improve the fuel consumption of the compressor stations in the pipeline network according to the conditions of the transmissions.