Line‐pack storage in biogas infrastructures at regional scale, a model approach

Abstract

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‐3h‐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.

Potential advantages in heat and power production when biogas is collected from several digesters using dedicated pipelines - A case study in the “Province of West-Flanders” (Belgium)

“…Line-pack storage costs and volume in a regional biogas grid are estimated in Ref. [4] based on a model. Important to evaluate the specific advantages of such a biogas grid is to have good insight in biogas production costs, developments in biogas/natural gas combined heat and power (CHP) installations, and biogas grid costs.…”