Network optimization
The Network Optimizer is a practical application of economic and operational, steady state optimization of gas pipeline networks. All network topologies and all target functions are available:
- Minimization of fuel gas and operating energy;
- Minimization of purchased gas costs;
- Optimization of storage injection and withdrawel for storage facilities within the pipeline network
- Profit maximization;
A quality tracking and a tracking of deliveries are available. This determines the costs and the optimum selling prices.
The Network Optimizer represents a branched, multi-level computational process. The main feature is to obtain dominant solutions for network fragments. During optimization the methods adapt themselves to the specific networks and to the topology of surfaces corresponding to objective function, restrictions, and variables.
The software is linked to tools like a graphics editor, database support, integration with a Geographic Information System and with Distributed Control Systems. These tools create a network and obtain initial values of supplies, demands and gas parameters and generate and present a tabular and graphical output.
