Combined Electricity & Gas Simulation Tool
- The combined modeling of electricity and gas networks is a unique feature of SAInt.
- Power flow simulations are combined with steady-state and dynamic hydraulic gas network simulations. The equations describing the natural gas and electricity networks are linked through coupling equations reflecting the physical interlink between the two energy vectors. The resulting system of equations is solved simultaneously.
- The coupling between electricity and gas networks is modeled at the following interfaces: Gas-fired power plants; Power-to-gas facilities (e.g., electrolyzers); Electric-driven compressor stations; Electric-driven LNG regasification terminals
- In optimization models based on steady-state conditions, the dynamic behavior of the gas system is neglected, which, however, is relevant when studying the combined operation of gas and electric power systems. The time evolution of linepack determines the level of flexibility the gas system can provide to the electric power system. In a steady-state gas model, the time derivative of the linepack is inherently zero since total gas inflow and outflow are at equilibrium. Thus, the time evolution of the linepack cannot be captured appropriately by steady-state gas models.
- Coordinated controls between electricity and gas networks can be modeled. The user can control the gas network based on an electric network variable or vice versa.