Multi-criteria evaluation of technological solutions to improve gas distribution station efficiency

Due to the global energy crisis, rising energy demand, and climate change, there must be a way to recover energy that is not used for beneficial purposes, reduce primary and final energy consumption, and reduce emissions. The natural gas sector and its transmission networks, including gas distribution stations (GDSs), are an important component of Lithuania's energy sector. Because the gas pressure is reduced by the use of gas pressure regulators (GPR), the energy potential in high pressure gas is not used effectively, the need to heat natural gas is conducted with the use of natural gas boilers, and additional environmental pollution is caused by the use of GDS. The purpose of the study is to analyse GDSs, identify areas where the energy potential is not being exploited and the environment is polluted, and propose reasonable solutions. After reviewing the literature, alternative technological solutions were selected, including turbine expanders, gas preheating systems that were modified from gas boilers to geothermal heat pumps, solar collectors, and photovoltaic solar cells. To evaluate the potential of technological solutions to improve GDS efficiency and reduce emissions, the proposed solutions are analysed according to the multi-criteria analysis that consider solutions proposed from an energy, economic, and environmental perspective. Based on multi-criteria evaluation, the best alternative technological solution for GDS is recommended.

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Opracowanie rekordu ze środków MNiSW, umowa nr SONP/SP/546092/2022 w ramach programu "Społeczna odpowiedzialność nauki" - moduł: Popularyzacja nauki i promocja sportu (2024).