Optimal energy cost management of a CNG fuelling station

A strategy for optimizing the operation of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station in order to minimize the energy cost is presented in this paper. The study seeks to schedule the activity of the station CNG compressor so as to achieve minimum cost of electricity purchased under a Time-of-Use (TOU) tariff. A linear control approach is employed to restrict damage to the compressor by minimizing the switching frequency. The proposed approach shows great potential to deliver lower operating costs through shifting of the station compressor load to lower electricity price time bands while also minimizing wear and tear effects on the compressor.