In 1985, Ruhrgas AG launched the DYNOS (mamic @r-Line Simulation) project to develop computer systems to support its dispatching activities. By the end of 1989 a major step was completed and a transient on-line simulation model was installed. This step was the subject of a paper presented at the 1990 PSIG annual meeting. Several enhancements have been implemented or are under development based on more than 6 years of operational experience. Simulation models have proven to be excellent tools for anticipating possible grid reactions to planned control actions. Due to the extent of the Ruhrgas grid, the complexity of technical equipment and contractual obligations, a dispatcher is faced with problems similar to controlling the grid itself when using simulation. The problems may accumulate as simulation confronts the dispatcher with several questions at the same time. The challenges to overcome are: To design a reliable interface with the SCADA system for continuous cyclic online operations which avoids or minimizes user interaction. To provide a user interface to quickly set up simulation scenarios, easing the interpretation of results and decision making. To provide easy to use, highly accurate models of technical equipment. This paper highlights these problems and their solutions by describing some of the developments already carried out and planned projects at Ruhrgas. It presents the operational experience and the conclusions that resulted in the above mentioned developments and reports the results and benefits gained or expected from these developments.
With annual gas sales of over 580 billion kWh (1,979 TBTU), Ruhrgas AG is one of the major energy companies in Germany. Its activities focus on the supraregional supply of gas and it has been instrumental in developing the market for natural gas in Germany. Ruhrgas is a pioneer of international natural gas trading in Europe and is, today, one of the largest gas importers in the world. Ruhrgas purchases its natural gas from indigenous fields as well as from various production areas in western Europe - the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark - and Russia. It therefore has a highly diversified supply structure ensuring security of supplies. Ruhrgas contracts the natural gas from these sources alone or together with other German or west European gas companies. The agreements run for terms of 20 years and more; some of the present contracts even continue beyond the year 2020. Ruhrgas constantly explores the feasibility and viability of buying additional natural gas from existing and new sources. Some Operating highlights of Ruhrgas are contained in figures 2 and 3. Improved On-Line Capabilities by Implementing a Windows Interface Simulation models have proven to be excellent tools for anticipating possible grid reactions to planned control actions. Due to the extent of the Ruhrgas grid, the complexity of technical equipment and contractual obligations, a dispatcher is faced with problems similar to controlling the grid itself when using simulation. The problems may accumulate as simulation confronts the dispatcher with several questions at the same time.