Gas Network Calorific Value Calculation via Topology and Load Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for determining the calorific value of fuel gas in regional or distribution networks with multiple feed points are inaccurate and costly, especially when dealing with mixed feed-in gases like natural gas and biogas, leading to difficulties in precise billing and increased operational expenses.
Innovation Solution
A method that measures calorific values and quantities at entry points, estimates quantities at exit points using load profiles and topological data, and calculates precise calorific values at exit points through a correction procedure, ensuring accurate billing without the need for extensive additional measuring devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If calorific value is measured directly at all exit points, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an evaluation unit that acts as an intermediary between the feed-in measurement points and the exit points. This unit receives measured calorific values and quantities from feed points, combines them with topological network data and load profiles, and calculates the calorific value at exit points through mathematical evaluation, eliminating the need for direct physical measurements at each exit point
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical measurement system (calorific value measuring devices at each exit point) with a computational system. The evaluation unit uses simulation calculations, load profiles, and topological data to compute calorific values mathematically, substituting physical measurement infrastructure with information processing
2Ease of operation
If volume-weighted annual mean values of fed-in calorific values are used for billing, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to the 2% deviation rule
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the evaluation unit continuously receives actual measured calorific values and quantities from feed points, processes this information through simulation calculations considering network topology and load profiles, and generates corrected calorific values for exit points. This feedback loop ensures billing accuracy reflects actual gas composition rather than relying on simplified annual mean values
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary simulation calculations and evaluation of topological data before billing to determine the actual calorific values at exit points. By pre-calculating the distribution of different gas types through the network based on feed-in data and network characteristics, the system avoids the need for complex post-billing adjustments and ensures accurate billing from the outset
3Measurement precision
If biogas is integrated into H-gas networks with calorific value adjustment by adding propane, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of substance increases due to fossil fuel addition
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation unit serves as an intermediary that processes information about biogas feed-in quantities and calorific values, combined with network topological data and load profiles, to calculate the actual calorific value at exit points. This information intermediary approach allows accurate calorific value determination without physically modifying the gas composition by adding fossil fuels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from modifying the physical parameter of gas composition (adding propane to increase calorific value) to modifying the informational parameter (calculating actual calorific value based on feed-in data, topology, and load profiles). This parameter change allows accurate billing while maintaining the original renewable gas composition without fossil fuel contamination
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves measuring measured heating values and volume at feeding areas of a gas network. Quantities of the exit points of the gas system are estimated and summarized based on load profiles according to equation. An evaluation unit supplies determined values together with topological data of the gas.