Integrated Operation of Electricity and Natural Gas Distribution Networks: A Reliability Analysis

Abstract

Currently the world faces a great challenge, to achieve a sustainable production of energy, which allows the adequate development of humanity but at the same time does not irreversibly affect the environment. For this, it is absolutely necessary to make optimal and effective use of the available energy resources, in order to aim for energy transition objectives that result in the rational and efficient use of energy, the penetration of renewable resources, and social development. This requires that at a technical level, methodologies be proposed that allow for a holistic analysis of the different interactions and synergies present in the energy system. Therefore, it is essential to delve into the knowledge associated with the interaction between the electricity and natural gas networks, since natural gas is expected to be the energy source that supports the increase in generation from intermittent renewable energy sources. It is for the above that this research work analyzes the reliability of the electric power distribution network based on the impact associated with a contingency in the natural gas distribution network, when both networks are coupled through natural gas-based distributed power generators. A novel non-supplied energy index and a single contingency criterion are used for estimation purposes, considering failure rates and repair times of the natural gas network to obtain a more accurate in the estimation. Numerical results show that significant penetration of natural gas-based distributed generation can compromise the reliability of the power distribution network if the natural gas network is of low reliability.