Simplified Real-Time Optimization of the Gas Pipeline Network Saves Compression Energy

Model Predictive Control (MPC) is well established in the process industries because of a number of attractive properties. An extension to MPC, Dynamic real-time optimization (DRTO) is introduced and approximations necessary for DRTO to become applicable on natural gas pipeline systems are discussed. A simulated case, where DRTO was used to reduce pipeline total compression energy on-line and in real-time, is presented. Further, the pipeline complexity allowed by DRTO is discussed and DRTO is also evaluated against features typically required by Transient Optimization, such as throughput and spot market delivery optimization. Compared to mainstream Transient Optimization techniques, DRTO clearly presents a simplified approach.