Gas Market Liberalization & GT Operation OMMI (Vol. 2, Issue 3) Dec.

03

www.ommi.co.uk

GAS MARKET LIBERALIZATION IN GERMANY AND THE POSSIBLE

CONSEQUENCES FOR GAS TURBINE OPERATION

Christian Arnold, KEMA-IEV Dresden GmbH

Hubert Skiba, GEW RheinEnergie AG Köln
Alexander Walke, E.ON Energy Projects GmbH, Germany

Dipl.-Ing. Christian Arnold is project manager at KEMA-IEV

Dresden GmbH, a German supplier-independent engineering
company. He is expert in vibrations of turbo-machines, thermo-
dynamic evaluation of power plant facilities and performance tests
of CHP plants.

Dipl.-Ing. Hubert Skiba is power plant manager for GEW

RheinEnergie AG Cologne. He is responsible for the CHP plant
Cologne-Merkenich. In April 2004, a gas preheating facility will
be erected, on this site, as a cooperative effort between GE
VAM-Anlagentechnik and GEW RheinEnergie.

Dipl-Ing. Dipl-Wirtsch.-Ing. Alexander Walke is a project leader

in the German based company E.ON Energy Projects. He has
over 10 years experience, working in the area of thermal power
plant issues. His previous experience includes working for Sie-
mens Power Generation and Gerling Industrie Service. Further-
more he is a lecturer at the Cologne University of Applied Sci-
ence.

Keywords: Liberalized Gas Market in Germany; Guidelines; Gas Quality; Compatibility of dif-
ferent Gases; Operation of Gas Turbines
Gas Market Liberalization & GT Operation OMMI (Vol. 2, Issue 3) Dec. 03 2

Introduction
Germany currently imports about 80% of its required natural gas [1]. Meanwhile, efforts are
being made to liberalize the gas market in much the same way as the electricity market. In con-
trast to electricity, natural gas is - as its name implies - a product derived from nature. Quality is
dependent upon the drilling region. With this considered, three points (among others not men-
tioned here) are of interest:

• In the process of gas market liberalization, the quality of natural gas in the gas distribu-
tion system will experience changes.

• What consequences will a change in gas quality have on burners of gas-fired turbines?

• The gas turbine supplier needs to adjust to the conditions of a liberalized gas market.

1. RULES AND STANDARDS FOR GAS MARKET LIBERALIZATION AND GAS

QUALITY IN GAS DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

1.1 Management of various Natural Gas States before Liberalization of Gas Market
The main portion of natural gas used in Germany is imported from the Netherlands, Norway
and Russia. The entry points for grid gas pipelines are distributed along Germany’s borders and
there are no dominant directions of transport. Additionally, domestic gas production (primarily
from northern German regions) comprise just under 20% of the market share. The differing gas
compositions cause dispersion of gross calorific values up to 25% in the gas distribution system
[1], [2].

Shuttle and mixture zones are currently employed to fulfill natural gas demand using varying
gas qualities.

So called rigid shuttle zones are zones in which gases with varying qualities are serially fed in.
In contrast to rigid shuttle zones, open shuttle zones are zones in which two gases with identi-
cal gross calorific values, but differing Wobbe-Index values, are fed-in against each other. The
feeding in occurs via spatially separated feeding points, whereby the ratio can be adjusted ac-
cording to demand.

In the mixture zones, two gases with differing qualities are mixed at a specific volumetric flow
at a defined feeding point in the gas distribution system. The gross calorific value of the mixed
gas is determined by the weighted average of the two gas qualities.

1.2 Future Process Management under conditions of the Liberalized Gas Market
A precondition for effective competition between various providers in the liberalized gas mar-
ket is the assurance of interchangeability between gases of differing quality. The association
Gas Market Liberalization & GT Operation OMMI (Vol. 2, Issue 3) Dec. 03 3

agreement for access to the natural gas distribution system, “Verbändevereinbarung zum
Netzzugang bei Erdgas,“ [3] (VV Erdgas II) that was enacted on 1-October-2002 and runs
until 30-September-2003, replaced the former agreement VV Erdgas I [4] (with both supple-
ments [5] and [6]). It defines the guidelines for gas industry services and also defines the tech-
nical regulatory environment for the liberalized gas market in Germany. Regarding the require-
ments for composition and determining a billable amount for the fed-in gases, VV Erdgas refers
to the technical regulations, “Technischen Regeln der DVGW-Arbeitsblätter” G 260 (Gas
Composition) [7] and G 685 (Gas Billing) [8].

Provider-supplied natural gas to the feed-in point is deemed compatible when--considering

safety, application engineering and accounting--no additional condition and ratio adjustments
need to be made by the operator to the relevant sections of the gas distribution system. The
stipulated allowable ranges [7], regarding the fuel characteristics of natural gas, are named in
VV Erdgas II as compatibility criteria for the natural gas to be transported [3], [4], [6]. If the
gas distribution system operator determines that compatibility is not realized, then the provider
has to be offered a competitive price to achieve compatibility using adjustment procedures. To
adjust the deliverable natural gas to the characteristics of the fuel in the gas distribution system,
the operator can--according to availability--mix it with other gases from the provider or condi-
tion it with additive gases or inert gases. The special gas conditioning requirements are set forth
in DVGW-Arbeitsblatt G 260 [7].

1.3 Gas Quality Requirements

A basic arrangement for combustible gases in the public gas supply is described in DVGW-
Arbeitsblatt G 260 [7]. It sets forth guidelines for gas quality with regard to fuel characteristics
and content of components and additives.
Natural gas in Germany’s public gas distribution system will be classified in the second gas fam-
ily (methane-rich gases) according to DVGW guidelines. Origin-dependent and -differing com-
position of fed-in natural gases determines combustion properties and thereby gas quality. The
Wobbe-Index serves as a substantial measure (for the interchangeability of gases regarding heat
load on gas devices) that is normally based on ISO conditions (Index n, by ISO 13443 at pres-
sure pn = 1,01325 bar and temperature tn = 0 °C):
H
• Gross Wobbe-Index W o, n = o, n , with Ho,n = gross calorific value and d = specific
d
gravity of natural gas relative to air at ISO conditions,
H
• Net Wobbe-Index W u, n = u, n , with Hu,n = net calorific value.
d
Depending on the size of the Wobbe-Index, the second gas family is divided between group L
(low) and group H (high). Gases that conform to combustion characteristics of the second fam-
ily (i.e. DVGW-Arbeitsblatt G 260 [7]) are displayed in abstract in Table 1.
Gas Market Liberalization & GT Operation OMMI (Vol. 2, Issue 3) Dec. 03 4

Descriptions Symbols Units Group L Group H

Gross Wobbe-Index, Wo,n kWh/m³ 10,5 to 13,0 12,8 to 15,7
Aggregate Range MJ/m³ 37,8 to 46,8 46,1 to 56,5
Gross Calorific Value Ho,n kWh/m³ 8,4 to 13,1
MJ/m³ 30,2 to 47,2
Specific Gravity1) d - 0,55 to 0,75
1) Specific gravity of natural gas relative to dry air at same temperature and same pressure (usually ISO conditions)

Table 1: Characteristics of gases from the second gas family based on DVGW-
Arbeitsblatt G 260 [7] (abstract)

2. IMPACT OF GAS QUALITY ON COMBUSTION

2.1 Description of Studied Natural Gases

For the study, three different European natural gas types (from Norway, Netherlands and Rus-
sia) were considered. The most important quality indicators (calorific value, Wobbe-Index) and
gas components are given in Table 2. They are based on laboratory tests. Further components
have only slight shares of aggregate mass and aggregate energy release; they are summarized in
the row “Remainder.”

Characteristics Units Norway Netherlands Russia

Gross Calorific Value Ho,n MJ/m³ 43,96 35,80 40,01
Net Calorific Value Hu,n MJ/m³ 39,79 32,32 36,08
Gross Wobbe-Index Wo,n MJ/m³ 54,17 44,44 52,67
Methane CH4 mol % 84,668 81,654 96,661
Ethane C2H6 mol % 9,365 3,225 1,220
Propane C3H8 mol % 2,323 0,608 0,393
Nitrogen N2 mol % 0,822 12,534 0,968
Carbon Dioxide CO2 mol % 1,719 1,624 0,539
Remainder mol % 1,103 0,355 0,219

Table 2: Natural gas characteristics and compositions (Examples from analyses)

Of the three natural gas types in Table 2, two (from Norway and Russia) are categorized in
Group H of the second gas family. Natural gas from the Netherlands belongs to group L and is
not compatible with gas from Group H.
Gas Market Liberalization & GT Operation OMMI (Vol. 2, Issue 3) Dec. 03 5

2.2 Calculation Basis

The effects of natural gas on combustion were analyzed independently of specific gas turbine
and burner construction. For this, a reaction progress calculation serves as an adequate proce-
dure. The software program CHEMKIN II [9] was applied. It realistically models conversion
from the initial combustion components (fuel and air) to the final products (flue gas). The con-
version is characterized by a breaking down of gas components, the combining into intermedi-
ate products and ultimately -- through a chain of various reactions -- a forming into the final
product. In total, 325 reactions are considered. The functionality and background of the reac-
tion progress calculation and the assumed simplifications are covered in [9] and [10].

2.3 Calculation Results

In Figure 1, the combustion processes of the examined natural gases (from Norway, Nether-
lands and Russia) are compared with respect to energy release at constant Lambda (= 3.0). The
expected basic result of the examination is that every natural gas burns differently. Russian
natural gas reacts later than gases from Norway and the Netherlands. It is interesting to note
the sequence; while gross calorific value and gross Wobbe-Index produces Norway--Russia--
Netherlands, ignition delay produces Norway--Netherlands--Russia. The ignition delay of indi-
vidual natural gases is apparently arranged according to the ratio of C-atoms to H-atoms (Nor-
way: 0.276; Netherlands: 0.263; Russia: 0.255; see [9], [10]). The less hydrogen atoms per
carbon atom, the faster the reaction.

However, the aggregate ratios of the ignition delays don’t correspond directly to the actual
flame lengths (e.g. tripling the ignition delay doesn’t mean a tripling of the flame length). But an
impact on the flame zone’s shape is almost certain.
Further results are shown in [10].
 Gas Market Liberalization & GT Operation OMMI (Vol. 2, Issue 3) Dec. 03 6

L-Gas Netherlands H-Gas Russia

Wo,n = 14,63 kWh/m3
Wo,n = 12,34 kWh/m3
H-Gas Norway
3
Wo,n = 15,04 kWh/m
Energy Release

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20

Reaktion Time (Ignition Delay) in ms

Figure 1: Local Energy Release for Various Natural Gases using a Constant Initial
Temperature (1200 K) and Lambda = 3.0 over the Reaction Time

3. GAS TURBINE SUPPLIER’S REQUIREMENTS FOR GAS QUALITY

The suppliers of gas turbines analyze the quality of the available natural gas on site before de-
livery of the system. Burners and their nozzle cross sections are designed and manufactured
accordingly. As a rule, they are kept in this state for the lifetime of the gas turbine.

With the liberalization of the gas market, the whole fuel range is allowable (see terms of com-
patibility according to G 260). Also to be considered are the requirements of the gas turbine
manufacturer.

An example is the GE-specific set of fuel requirements for gas turbines [11]. An equation for
the modified Wobbe-Index (MWI) is formulated that is based on the net calorific value and
includes the fuel temperature:
Gas Market Liberalization & GT Operation OMMI (Vol. 2, Issue 3) Dec. 03 7

W u, n
• MWI = (with ϑF as fuel temperature in degrees Rankin and the net calorific
d * ϑF
value in BTU/SCF).

For ignition and start up of the gas turbine, a MWI fluctuation of ± 5% is allowed. By operat-
ing the machine “… at full speed, more than no-load (FSNL) … the allowable fluctuation in the
Wobbe-Index can be considerably larger than ± 5% ...” [11]; but this fluctuation is not more
precisely quantified.

In Figure 2, a example with a Design-MWI of 47.8 is used to illustrate GE-requirements

merged with those of ranges possible under G 260. Clearly, gas quality based on DVGW guide-
lines falls widely outside of GE requirements for ignition and start up.

60 W o,n in kWh/m3
15,70

55
Modified Wobbe Index = MWI

50 Example for
13,00 allowable ± 5%-
12,80 range (according to
GEI 41040E for
45 ignition, startup)

Allowable aggregate
range for H-gas
40 10,50 (according to DVGW-
Arbeitsblatt G 260)

35 Allowable aggregate
range for L-gas
(according to DVGW-
Arbeitsblatt G 260)
30
-20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
Gas Temperature in °C

Figure 2: GE Range for Ignition and Start-up with the Aggregate Ranges for H- and
L-Gases relevant to DVGW G 260
Gas Market Liberalization & GT Operation OMMI (Vol. 2, Issue 3) Dec. 03 8

4. KÖLN-MERKENICH GAS AND STEAM COGENERATION PLANT

a. Fuel Specifications

The 6FA-Gas Turbine (GEW RheinEnergie, Köln) from GE was designed in 1999, based on
characteristics of H- and L-gas that were ascertained in 1996 (i.e. probes on site were ana-
lyzed). Gases with uniform qualities were assumed.

b. The Operating Range of 6FA

In Year 2001, movement in the gas market was realized.

The operating range is shown in Figure 3 is insufficient for the prospective liberalized gas mar-
ket. If measures aren’t taken there is a danger that, in the simplest case, the gas turbine will fail.
In the long run, damages can’t be ruled out.

Operating
Range 6FA

L-Gas RG (Feb/96) H-Gas RG (Sep/95) WG 08/29/01; RG North Sea Gas

Wo,n = 12,69 Wo,n =13,83 Feb/00 Wo,n = 15,0
Wo,n =14,7
WG Eynattten (Jun/00) WG Mattnow (Aug/00) H-Gas
W o,n
kW h/m3
Wo,n = 14,59 Wo,n = 14,81 Wo,n = 15,7
59
15,70
58
57
56 15,00
55
54 14,59
Modified Wobbe Index = MWI

53
52
13,83
51
50
13,26
49
48
12,69
47
46 12,38
12,20
45
44
43
42
41 11,50

40
0

39 10,5
0
-30

-20

-10

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

110

120

130

140

150

160

170

180

190

200

Gas Temperature in°C

Figure 3: Operating Range of the Köln-Merkenich 6FA Gas Turbine

Gas Market Liberalization & GT Operation OMMI (Vol. 2, Issue 3) Dec. 03 9

c. Measures taken on the way to the Liberalized Gas Market

• For the protection of the 6FA, a second Wobbe-Index measuring device -- in addition to
the one located directly at the gas turbine -- was installed at a point far ahead of the gas
turbine.
- Distance between gas turbine and second Wobbe-Index measuring device is
approximately 360 m.
- Measurement time totals 120-seconds
- Remaining reaction time is 4-minutes (time that gas at base load needs for 360 m.)
• Gas preheating should be used to widen the gas turbine’s range of operation (Figure 3)
and to protect it from damages.
• Presently, the ordering of a gas preheating unit is problematic. Suppliers have already
successfully implemented gas preheating with fixed fuel temperatures for increased effi-
ciency. However, preheating, whereby fuel temperature is controlled by gas quality, is a
new concept.
Our procedure for gas preheating involves two steps:
1. Analyzing the transition function of a change between 2 qualities of gas.
2. Determining the gas temperature caused by slow changes in gas quality.
The results of both steps are summarized to determine the future strategy.

5. SUMMARY

The possible gas quality fluctuations, due to gas market liberalization, can result in gas turbine
operation using fuels that deviate widely from design specifications. Hence, the following ques-
tions are raised:

• Which types of operating problems are caused by heavy deviations in gas quality?
• Can failure be prevented with heavy deviations in gas quality?
• Are protective devices for gas turbines necessary?

From the gas turbine operator’s point-of-view, it must be determined how their gas turbines are
prepared for fluctuating gas qualities (within the allowed bandwidths for H- respective of L-Gas
according to the DVGW-Guidelines).

If gas turbine suppliers determine that fully utilizing the fluctuation range of the Wobbe-Index
(based on DVGW-Arbeitsblatt G260) causes significant changes to flame geometry with re-
spective operating restrictions or damage potential, then they should provide plant-specific
suggestions to gas turbine operators.
Gas Market Liberalization & GT Operation OMMI (Vol. 2, Issue 3) Dec. 03 10

6. REFERENCES

[1] Ströbele W., ‘Zur Verbändevereinbarung zum Netzzugang für Erdgas. Gutachten
im Auftrag von BGW und VKU’ Münster Dec. 2000.
[2] Schulz W., Hallaschka I., Perner J., Schuppe T., Zander W., Borowka J.,
Kirchenbauer J.M. and Möller A., ‘Analyse und wettbewerbliche Bewertung der
Verbändevereinbarung Gas zum Netzzugang’ Gutachten im Auftrag des Bundes-
ministeriums für Wirtschaft und Technologie, Endbericht Nov. 9, 2000.
[3] Verbändevereinbarung zum Netzzugang bei Erdgas (VV Erdgas II) May 3, 2002
(valid from Oct. 1, 2002).
[4] Verbändevereinbarung zum Netzzugang bei Erdgas (VV Erdgas I) Jul. 4, 2000
(valid until Sep. 30, 2002).
[5] 1. Nachtrag Verbändevereinbarung zum Netzzugang bei Erdgas (VV Erdgas I),
Jul. 4, 2000.
[6] 2. Nachtrag zur Verbändevereinbarung zum Netzzugang bei Erdgas (VV Erdgas I),
Sep. 21, 2001.
[7] DVGW-Arbeitsblatt G 260 Gasbeschaffenheit (Jan. 2000).
[8] DVGW-Arbeitsblatt G 685 Gasabrechnung (Apr. 1993).
[9] Zschunke T. and Neumann M., ‘Einfluss der Gasqualität auf die Verbrennung’ TU
Dresden, Institut für Thermodynamik und Technische Gebäudeausrüstung,
Vorstudie Apr. 16, 2002.
[10] Arnold Ch. and Seyffarth J., ‘Studie zum Einfluss der Gasqualität auf die Verbren-
nung’ KEMA-IEV Dresden, Bericht-Nr. 2002-52465.01-P, May 30, 2002.
[11] GEI 41040E ‘Prozess-Spezifikationen Brenngase für die Verbrennung in
Hochleistungsgasturbinen’ GE Industrieal & Power Systems, Gasturbine, Aug.
1994.