The main stakeholders in the gas distribution sector (government, shareholders and consumers) have different interests and goals. The state, as a regulatory body, should find the best regulatory methods in order to achieve the maximum effect of public welfare: direct (pricing) and indirect (price influencing). The use of the “costs plus” method makes it possible to set the lowest possible tariffs for the transportation of natural gas, but it leads to the emergence of a “tariff precedent”, a loss of profits for companies, limited investment in the development of the sector. In order to stimulate the increase in the efficiency of gas distribution organizations, the implementation of the fundamental principle of gas distribution sector regulation is proposed. The use of incentive regulation will help find a balance in setting prices for gas networks in order to cover the costs of companies, increase profitability, stimulate the development of networks and innovations, establish the optimal price for consumers.

The efficiency issue of energy systems in the oil and gas industry is a crucial factor nowadays. Energy share in the production costs of oil and gas can reach 50%. Among the most important energy equipment are the electric drives of the pumps, compressors, auxiliary units, etc. The paper considered the lifecycle of the electric drives used at oil and gas fields and evaluated their efficiency parameters during periods of operational wear or malfunctioning. At the same time, the lifecycle of the energy equipment was seen as its technical state during operation. Based on the spectral analysis of the current using the finite Fourier transform (FFT), the main frequency components were identified that characterize the type and level of malfunction, taking into account defined efficiency indicators of the electric drive. A technique for assessing the technical state of an electric drive was proposed based on the normalized levels of the amplitudes of the frequency components. Predictive management of the electric drive was implemented in terms of correcting the control system when a malfunction occurs, providing the required efficiency indicators. Boundaries for the technical state of the electric drive were determined. Recommendations for further operation, terms of maintenance and repair or preventive management were presented.

he purpose of the work is to analyze the aggregates of complexes for the extraction of marine minerals. In particular, the variants of complexes, their advantages and disadvantages are considered. The complex is analyzed, which uses robotic pickers/reclaimers of the walking type to perform mining operations of ferromanganese nodules (FMN) or cobalt-bearing manganese crusts (CMC). Results. The variants of complexes for mining of bottom deposits are analyzed, advantages and disadvantages of different variants are indicated. The device for collecting minerals on the bottom, developed in SPMU, is described, laboratory studies of the model of such a device are considered, the main parameters are presented, the dependence of productivity on the size and time of operations of the cycle of work is indicated. It is determined that for minimal impact on the seabed biota it is necessary to use walking submersibles with an actuator for extraction in the form of rarefaction chambers or a grapple with an impactor (depending on the type of solid minerals). It is shown that the productivity of the walking underwater vehicle varies with the diameter of the rarefaction chamber plates: the optimum plate diameter is 1.5 m. Experimental study of hydrodynamic resistance of “foot” models with different midships cross-section has been carried out. According to the experimental results, the conclusion about the preferred design of the “foot” was made: the cross-section should be a streamlined shape with the smallest drag coefficient cx and have a continuous surface without holes. Experimental studies of tine models movement in water have shown that it is reasonable to use as tine parts the structures without holes, streamlined ellipsoidal shape. Calculations of productivity of mining units when using rope hoisting from the bottom to the ship have shown the necessity of using four or more hoisting devices for realization of the required annual productivity of more than 1 million tons per year. The stages of creating a workable extraction unit including a vessel, vertical lifting device and a system of deep-water collectors require very significant material and monetary costs, so they should be carried out in accordance with the R&D plan and tasks of the relevant ministry and agency and require coordination of efforts of investors, scientists and machine builders.