Techno-Economic-Environmental Analysis of Integrated Operation of Gas and Electricity Networks

Future energy networks may need to have increased cross vector coupling as well as renewable generation to meet the requirements of carbon reduction. This will introduce complexities to the task of network operation especially if this must be achieved without cross vector communication. In this research, the mutual benefits of integrated operation of gas and electricity networks at both transmission and distribution levels in terms of techno-economic-environmental parameters using a whole system approach were investigated. A simulation framework was developed for this purpose and a case study of integrated gas and electricity networks at both transmission and distribution levels as well as several scenarios were designed. This also allowed an assessment of the impacts of transmission systems on distribution systems and vice versa. It was observed that each coupled network could support the operation of the other network in case of occurrence of any faults, and change of operating conditions or renewable generation. In the considered cases, integration of network operation increased the cost of operation of the networks, however, the integrated networks could continue to meet demand and decrease the carbon footprint.