The LIFE 13 project
18 March 2021 - SolutionsNatural gas distribution networks are inevitably subject to expected leaks, particularly at the junction points between pipes and valves or during any accidental damage (e.g. excavation work or vehicles that block a connection).
These leaks are directly proportional to the pressure at which the gas is maintained in the distribution network to ensure proper service quality standards at the redelivery points. When burnt, natural gas is the fossil fuel with the lowest environmental impact among those that are currently available. However, when it is released into the atmosphere without prior combustion, natural gas is considerably more harmful than CO2. Therefore, the above-mentioned leaks can prove to be particularly harmful to the environment.
The contribution that Pietro Fiorentini, Terranova and RetiPiù made to solve this problem was to develop the LIFE 13 Green Gas Network project, which led to the creation of a system composed of a physical device and a software infrastructure. The device detects pressure trends and reacts on the basis of the dynamic modulation profile previously developed by a control centre operator. The operator has the possibility of monitoring the current pressure trend and intervening remotely via the software platform.
The project was nominated as one of the finalists in the Climate Change category of the 2019 edition of the LIFE Awards, the tool with which the European Union supports entities working to protect the climate and the environment.
The collaboration and sharing of information between RetiPiù, Pietro Fiorentini and Terranova have allowed us to achieve the scenario for testing the various systems and adapting them to the needs of the distribution network. Respect for safety rules, the application of the tools and actions in the field have allowed us to ascertain that it is possible to operate a gas distribution network in compliance with the highest safety standards for end users, while reducing CO2 emissions into the atmosphere at the same time (the main objective of the LIFE 13 project) thanks to adequate pressure regulation.
The Smart Grid digitalisation component applied to a gas distribution network should also be noted. This approach is consistent with ARERA directives, which pursue the objectives of reducing consumption, improving energy efficiency and cutting emissions. In this context, investments are therefore adjusted to these objectives, to the full benefit of the end user.
The key points that should be highlighted when describing the project are, therefore, the reduction in CO2 emissions and the consequent environmental impact, the general scenario of the Smart Gas Grid and, lastly, the balance between technological solutions, advantages for end users and environmental protection.
The project has led to a real system revolution. If today we are able to control pressures, tomorrow we will be able to control the network end points (odorisation levels, cathodic protection, and much more) to get a complete vision and prevent risky situations occurring for end users. The real benefit of this experiment was that, beyond the theory, today we are able to implement automations that dynamically manage the entire network. This objective could not be assumed at the beginning, as the operating pressures of a distribution network are influenced by a series of parameters that are difficult to manage and predict with any certainty (consumption, external temperatures, etc.).
The large-scale diffusion of this system will therefore bring about a widespread and tangible environmental benefit, without negatively affecting the quality and safety of gas distribution networks whatsoever.
For more details, download the Case Study “The LIFE 13 project”.
Focus on: Terranova
Since 2001, Terranova has been a leader in the energy and utilities sector thanks to its ongoing focus on research and innovation and has constantly strove to support businesses in their digitalisation, growth and business consolidation processes. Over 300 companies use our products every day and we employ more than 330 employees, across 10 locations, to guarantee them the best experience. Our employees work together to develop and improve leading products in the traditional sectors of gas and electricity distribution and sales, the environment and water service, and in smart network and smart grid projects oriented towards smart cities, both in Italy and abroad. The companies Arcoda and Ambiente.it are also part of the group, which work in the utilities sector also, producing software solutions to provide mobile map data with vehicle tracking and for the complete management of the waste chain, respectively. Since 2011, Terranova has been an integral part of the Pietro Fiorentini Group.
www.terranovasoftware.eu
Focus on: RetiPiù S.r.l.
RetiPiù S.r.l. distributes natural gas by managing 286,000 PDRs; distributes electricity by managing 25,000 PODs; provides a public lighting service for a total of 12,000 lighting points managed. Through its own Metrological Inspection Centre, the company is accredited to carry out checks on volume conversion devices fitted to gas meters in accordance with the provisions of Italian Ministerial Decre no. 75/2012. RetiPiù also assists public administrations in developing projects aimed at improving quality of life and environmental sustainability, by designing, creating and managing energy efficiency services and implementing smart solutions, based on digitalisation, sustainability, resilience and open innovation solutions.
www.retipiu.it
