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Line‐pack storage in biogas infrastructures at regional scale, a model approach
Author(s) -
Hengeveld Evert J.,
Bekkering Jan,
Gemert Wim J.T.,
Broekhuis Anton A.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
international journal of energy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.808
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1099-114X
pISSN - 0363-907X
DOI - 10.1002/er.4790
Subject(s) - biogas , volume (thermodynamics) , grid , pipeline transport , pipeline (software) , line (geometry) , scale (ratio) , engineering , environmental science , waste management , environmental engineering , mechanical engineering , mathematics , geography , physics , geometry , quantum mechanics , cartography
Summary Previously, we reported on a biogas transport model; the model assesses transport costs in a grid with fishbone and star layout collecting biogas. Biogas collection from several digesters to a hub supports the efficient use of resources. A dedicated grid, used for transport, can serve as a form of biogas storage as well. So a model was developed to evaluate line‐pack storage in a transport grid for different digester scale, number of digesters, region size, and grid type. Line‐pack storage does not require additional investments, and variable costs consist of extra compression costs. In both fishbone lay‐out and star lay‐out estimated line‐pack storage, costs are between 0.3 and 1.5 €ct m ‐3 h ‐1 . In a star lay‐out, line‐pack storage volume increases with region size. In a fishbone lay‐out, the maximum line‐pack storage volume is small in both a small size region and in a large region, as a result of pipeline volume and pressure restriction. A comparison of storage costs shows that line‐pack storage can compete on costs with pressureless storage, but pressurized pipes are preferred for seasonal storage. A method to describe enlargement of line‐pack storage by increased investment in pipelines depending on maximum transport pressure is presented. Such enlargement by applying larger pipe diameters could be financially sensible.