Determination of Optimal Parameters of Distributive Gas Pipeline by Dynamic Programming Method

In this article we present a model for determination of optimal parameters of main distributive gas pipelines by dynamic programming (DP) methods. The basic characteristic of this gas pipeline system is that the transported gas quantities are variables. This article presents DP techniques for solving the problem of minimizing investment costs of gas pipeline building. The main objective of this program is to determine the optimal location of compressor station and the optimal diameter of gas pipeline under the constraint of pressure value achievement for all users. The proposed model develops an improved numerical searching technique with the purpose of finding the optimal solution quickly. Applications for this method for optimal parameter determination of gas pipelines and the results are exemplified by the design of a gas pipeline in Belgrade–Valjevo. The model presented will be applied in a feasibility study to define the optimal parameters of a future gas pipeline, South Stream, from the Russian Federation to central Europe.