A Model for Optimizing Conformation of Energy Transmission Infrastructures for Energy System Assessment

Abstract

In the assessment of future energy systems including small-scale distributed generators, a proper assumption of energy transmission infrastructures, i.e. electricity transmission lines and gas pipelines, is very important. This paper describes a modeling of proper allocation of energy transmission infrastructures for a given demand area. Material use (or total weight) of infrastructure is used as a measure of optimization in this paper, while various measures such as cost can be applied also. The total weight is determined by a trade-off relationship between the transmission section and the distribution section, i.e. the lower parallel number of transmission section reduces the weight of transmission section but increases the weight of distribution section. The model calculates the total weight for various combinations of transmission and distribution sections, taking into account the nature of tree-type energy transmission infrastructures, i.e. increasing parallel number and lowering voltage class along the energy flow. We tested the proposed model for various cases with different demand distribution. The simulation results suggest that the proposed model is a practical tool for estimating a reasonable conformation of energy transmission infrastructure depending on demand distribution, and is useful for energy system assessment.