Balanced distribution of pipeline transportation based on generalized Nash equilibrium model

In order to realize balanced natural gas distribution by using the limited resources of pipeline networks, a natural gas pipeline transportation model based on the generalized Nash equilibrium theory was established and then solved by taking the operators' profit maximization as the objective function and the natural gas transport volume as the constraint condition. This model breaks through the obvious action sequence of market participants in the traditional Stackelberg game and highlights the interactive and cooperative relationship between operators, so that natural gas resource is distributed in a balanced pattern and utilized in a better way. It is contributive for the upstream production enterprises, pipeline operators and terminal sales companies to conduct market judgments and make production and marketing decisions. This model is applied to a numerical example. It is shown that the generalized Nash equilibrium theory is convenient and practical and can provide the natural gas market participants with the quantitative decision information accurately and objectively. It provides the feasible method and theoretical basis for the reform of natural gas market in China.