Interdependency of Natural Gas Network and Power System Security

This paper proposes an integrated model for assessing the impact of interdependency of electricity and natural gas networks on power system security. The integrated model incorporates the natural gas network constraints into the optimal solution of security-constrained unit commitment. The natural gas network is modeled by daily and hourly limits on pipelines, sub-areas, plants, and generating units. The application of fuel diversity (e.g., generating units with fuel switching capability) is presented as an effective peak shaving strategy for natural gas demand which could hedge price volatilities of natural gas and electric power. The proposed model can be used by a vertically integrated utility for the commitment and dispatch of generating units and the allocation of natural gas for the next day utilization. The proposed model can also be used for measuring the security of social services by modeling the interdependency of natural gas and electric power system infrastructures. If the proposed model is used by GENCOs, gas constraints will be submitted to electricity markets as energy constraints. Illustrative examples show the impact of natural gas supply infrastructure on the economic operation of a vertically integrated utility. The examples also discuss the impact of generating units with fuel switching capability on the power system security when the supply of natural gas is limited.