Pipeline Transient Optimization for a Gas-Electric Coordination Decision Support System Available to Purchase

Transient optimization of gas pipelines has experienced a resurgence of interest inspired by the need to coordinate intraday operations of wholesale electricity and natural gas transmission networks. Comprehensive modeling of pipeline components and network topologies; scalability, speed, and accuracy of computations; and data assimilation of state estimates and forecasts in industrial systems continue to present challenges. Yet, a mechanism for organized exchange of information between optimization-based auction markets for scheduling energy production and delivery over electricity and gas networks is increasingly critical. Implementing an economically and operationally efficient intra-day coordination mechanism for these systems will require advances in how pipeline optimization uses real-time data streams to produce real-time control solutions. In this paper, we review recent progress to test possible gas-electricity system coordination mechanisms, and highlight research and development needs required to field a future transient optimization-based decision support system for midstream gas transportation.