Simultaneous Design and Routing of CO2 Networks: An Integrated Modeling Approach

Abstract

In Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) networks, CO2 sources are located far apart from utilization sites, and need to be linked together through dedicated CO2 pipelines. The planning, construction, and operation of such a network is a challenging task, mainly due to the complexity associated with a difference in CO2 demand/supply and the complexity in identifying the cost-optimal pipeline route in the network. The construction cost is directly linked to the type of utility crossings, land topography (e.g., type of soil) and Right of Way (RoW). In this study, a simultaneous design and routing model was developed, formulated as a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) problem that uses actual RoW data, which is obtained from Arc GIS. This model was used to find the cost-optimal network design and pipeline routing that was validated through hypothetical scenarios. The hypothetical scenarios compromised of multiple sources and sinks and different type of RoW crossings. The model was successful in identifying in a single stage the following key elements of the system: (1) How much CO2 need to be captured and from which source? (2) Which route should be used? (3) Which sink should be utilized? (4) What is the pipeline size? The current model is capable of solving small problems and fails to solve big problems that generate a significant number of nodes during the solution process. However, bigger problems can only be solved through the development of advanced modeling techniques such as decomposition algorithms.

Date of Award	Dec 2017
Original language	American English