A Unique Electrical Model for the Steady-State Analysis of a Multi-Energy System

In order to decarbonize the energy sector, the interdependencies between the power and natural gas systems are going to be much stronger in the next period. Thus, it is necessary to have a powerful simulation model that is able to efficiently and simultaneously solve all coupled energy carriers in a single simulation environment in only one simulation step. As an answer to the described computational challenges, a unique model for the steady-state analysis of a multi-energy system (MES) using the electrical analogy approach is developed. Detailed electrical equivalent models, developed using the network port theory and the load flow method formulation, of the most important natural gas network elements, as well as of the linking facilities between the power and natural gas systems, are given. The presented models were loaded up into a well-known software for the power system simulation—NEPLAN. In the case studies, the accuracy of the presented models is confirmed by the comparison of the simulation results with the results obtained by SIMONE—a well-known software for natural gas network simulations. Moreover, the applicability of the presented unique model is demonstrated by the MES security of a supply analysis.