Field of the invention

The invention relates to a gas detection device as well as to a method for determining the amount of energy provided to a receiver.

Background of the invention

WO2009140314 describe systems and methods for assessing and optimizing energy use and environmental impact designed to receive energy consumption and emission data from one or more energy consumption sources of a facility over a network. The data can be transformed into a database format that can be processed and analyzed. The data can be validated according to predefined validation rules. The data can be aggregated according to predefined time intervals and stored in memory. The data can be used to generate a report to a user, for example, via a user interface.

WO/2009/037289 describes a method of detection of a volatile compound in a gaseous atmosphere comprises irradiating a semiconducting metal oxide material with ultraviolet light, exposing the irradiated material to the gaseous atmosphere and determining the presence of any volatile compound in the atmosphere by monitoring a change in electrical conductivity of the material. The method can detect non-polar organic compounds as well as polar compounds. Zinc oxide particles in the nanometre size range are preferred. The method may be used for medical diagnosis or for environment monitoring purposes.

US6446487 describes a method for measuring and/or regulating a quantity of heat contained in a fuel gas, the calorific value of the fuel gas being used as an input parameter, in which method a) the fuel gas or a part-stream of the fuel gas is guided through a volumetric meter or a mass flow meter, and the volumetric flow rate or the mass flow rate is measured, b) the speed of sound of the gas is determined under first reference conditions, c) one of the measurement variables dielectric constant, speed of sound under second reference conditions, carbon dioxide content of the fuel gas, nitrogen content of the fuel gas or density under standardized conditions is recorded; and) the quantity of heat supplied is derived from these parameters, together with the calorific value of the fuel gas, as a measurement variable or control variable. EP0304266 describes a catalytic gas calorimeter system and method. The system comprises a catalytic reactor which includes a catalyst capable of oxidizing the sample gas. The catalyst is configured within the reactor so as to maximize the catalyst surface area available to the sample gas, such as, for example, by depositing the catalyst on a bed of small beads of porous surface structure or on a porous monolithic substrate. The reactor temperature and space velocities are maintained at a level which will ensure substantially complete oxidation of the sample gas. The catalytic reactor of the present invention is surrounded by one or more temperature shields to isolate the reactor from the surrounding environment. A sensor device is positioned within the reactor to measure the temperature within the reactor. The calorimeter system also includes means for measuring and controlling the volume of gas and air entering the catalytic reactor and means for measuring the relative humidity of the gas stream leaving the catalytic reactor. These measurements are then used to calculate the net heating value (NHV), gross heating value (GHV) and the specific gravity of the sample gas under consideration.

US2008288182 describes that thermodynamic properties of a natural gas stream can be determined in real time utilizing modelling algorithms in conjunction with one or more sensors for quantifying physical and chemical properties of the natural gas. Related techniques, apparatus, systems, and articles are also described in US2008288182.

US2009078912 describes a method for determining a carbon content value of a hydrocarbon-containing mixture. At least one composition-dependent bulk property of the hydrocarbon-containing mixture is measured and optionally at least one non- hydrocarbon component concentration is measured with the resulting measurements used in a carbon content correlation for calculating the carbon content of the hydrocarbon-containing mixture. The carbon content may be used in a hydrogen and/or synthesis gas production process for calculating a target flow rate of steam to be combined with the hydrocarbon-containing mixture to form a mixed feed having a target steam-to-carbon ratio.

DEI 9808213 describes an automatic gas chromatograph separating constituents of a sample using columns, and supplying the constituents to optical sensors. Their signals form parts of the chromatograph for the sample, which is developed by the processor, determining component concentrations. According to DE19808213, from these, and known pure-substance properties, physical properties of the gas are calculated. An Independent claim is included for the apparatus carrying out the method.

Summary of the invention

In for instance the Netherlands, there is a large use of natural gas in industry and households. This also applies to some other European countries. In Europe, there is a wide network of natural gas distribution, with for instance Norway, Netherlands and Russia as main suppliers.

Natural gases can be converted by blending with nitrogen to reach for instance the required (safe) composition. Up to now, the so-called Wobbe index of Dutch distribution gases lies within 43.4 and 44.4 MJ/m ³ (n), while Wobbe indices of other natural gases (such as Russia and Norway) as well as new gases are most likely to differ from these numbers substantially. The gas quality is controlled centrally. Nowadays, no biogas or hydrogen is added to the transport or distribution grid. However, the expectation is that 5% of hydrogen can be added to the gas. When appliances will tolerate a broader range of natural gases, also more hydrogen and/or biogas can be added to natural gas.

A disadvantage of admixing other gassed to natural gas and defining the required Wobbe-index less strict is that the gas supplied to a receiver may have different compositions and different characteristics over time. Could in the past the volume of gas delivered to the receiver be used as parameter of the energy (Joules) delivered to the receiver, when the gas composition varies, this is not possible anymore. Another disadvantage of conventional measuring devices may be that those devices cannot communicate with other apparatus. Another disadvantage may be that efficiency of applications running on gas may vary upon the composition of the gas.

Hence, it is an aspect of the invention to provide a new device for measuring gas composition and/or calorimetric value of a gas comprising methane as well as a method for determining the amount of energy provided to a receiver, which preferably further at least partly obviate one or more of above-described drawbacks.

In a first aspect, the invention provides a gas detection device for determining the composition of a gas comprising methane (C¾), the device comprising one or more sensors configured to sense methane and one or more other compounds; an optional calorimetric sensor, especially a catalyst based calorimetric sensor; a processor unit configured to receive sensor signals of the sensors and configured to provide a corresponding output signal containing information on the gas composition and optionally the calorimetric value of the gas; and a communication device configured to communicate the output signal.

In another aspect, the invention provides a gas detection device for determining the calorimetric value of a gas comprising methane and optionally its composition, the device comprising: a calorimetric sensor, especially a catalyst based calorimetric sensor, and optionally one or more sensors configured to sense methane and one or more other compounds; a processor unit configured to receive sensor signals of the sensor(s) and configured to provide a corresponding output signal containing information on the calorimetric value of the gas and optionally on the gas composition; and a communication device configured to communicate the output signal.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a gas detection device for determining the composition and calorimetric value of a gas comprising methane, the device comprising: one or more sensors configured to sense methane and one or more other compounds; a calorimetric sensor; a processor unit configured to receive sensor signals of the sensors and configured to provide a corresponding output signal containing information on the gas composition and calorimetric value of the gas; and a communication device configured to communicate the output signal.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for determining the amount of energy provided to a receiver, wherein the energy is provided to the receiver with a methane comprising gas as energy carrier, comprising: detecting the flow of the gas to the receiver; detecting the gas to the receiver with the gas detection device as described herein to provide the output signal containing information on the calorimetric value of the gas and optionally the gas composition; and deriving from the gas flow and the caloric value the amount of energy provided to the receiver.

Herein, the gas detection device is also indicated as "device".

The one or more of the sensor(s) may especially be integrated on a chip. Further, the calorimetric sensor may be integrated on the chip. Hence, one or more sensor(s) may be integrated on a chip. In a specific embodiment, the gas detection device is a single chip. Use of a chip-based device may enable application in all kind of systems and may also reduce production costs. It may also allow arrangement of the device in all kind of network parts, including small conduits (pipes). Herein, the term "methane comprising gas" or "gas comprising methane" is used to indicate a gas that at least contains methane, such as natural gas. Such gas is an energy carrier. The gas comprising methane is especially a gas comprising natural gas. The gas comprising methane may further comprise other gaseous components, such as one or more of CO, C0 ₂ , H ₂ , N ₂ , 0 ₂ , C ₂ H ₂ , C ₂ H ₄ , C ₂ H ₆ , C ₃ H ₈ , C ₄ H ₁₀ (n-C ₄ H ₁₀ , iso- C ₄ Hio), C ₅ Hi ₂ (n-C ₅ Hi ₂ , neo-C ₅ Hi ₂ , iso-C ₅ Hi ₂ ). The gas comprising methane may in an embodiment be a mixture comprising natural gas and biogas. In yet another embodiment, the gas comprising methane may in an embodiment be a mixture of natural gas an hydrogen gas. Therefore, the gas may further comprise biogas (also indicated "bio methane") and/or the gas may further comprises hydrogen (H ₂ ).

In a specific embodiment, the device comprises at least one sensor configured to sense methane. An example of such methane sensor is a NDIR (non-dispersive infrared) detector.

In a specific embodiment, the device may further comprise a sensor configured to sense one or more (compounds) of CO, C0 ₂ , H ₂ , N ₂ , 0 ₂ , C ₂ H ₂ , C ₂ H ₄ , C ₂ H ₆ , C ₃ t¾, C ₄ Hio (n-C ₄ Hio, iso-C ₄ Hi ₀ ), C ₅ Hi ₂ (n-C ₅ Hi ₂ , neo-C ₅ Hi ₂ , iso-C ₅ Hi ₂ ), respectively. Examples of such sensors include micro-GC (gas chromatograph). The term sensor may also refer to a plurality of sensors. The device may for instance comprise 2-6 sensors to sense the above indicated gases. Hence, the sensor may include a GC, especially a micro-GC. However, also sensors may be applied to sense one of more of the afore-mentioned compounds. Hence, in an embodiment the one or more sensors configured to sense methane and one or more other compounds comprise a gas chromatography (GC) apparatus. In a specific embodiment, the one or more sensors configured to sense methane and one or more other compounds comprise a micro-GC.

Therefore, the gas detection device may comprise a sensor configured to sense methane and one or more sensors configured to sense one or more other compounds selected from the group consisting of CO, C0 ₂ , H ₂ , N ₂ , 0 ₂ , C ₂ H ₂ , C ₂ H ₄ , C ₂ H ₆ , C ₃ ¾, C ₄ Hio and C ₅ Hi ₂ . In an embodiment, the sensor to sense methane may also be configured to sense other hydrocarbons, such as one or more of the above indicated C ₂ H ₂ , C ₂ H ₄ , C ₂ H ₆ , C ₃ ¾, C ₄ Hio and C ₅ Hi ₂ . Especially a single micro-GC (see also above) may be applied to detect those hydrocarbons, for instance as individual components, or groups of components, or to detect hydrocarbons per se (C _x H _y ; without (substantial) discriminating between individual hydrocarbons). Hence, in an embodiment the device comprises one or more sensors configured to sense gaseous hydrocarbons, including at least methane, and optionally configured to sense other compounds, such as selected from the group consisting of CO, C0 ₂ , H ₂ , N ₂ , and 0 ₂ . Optionally, the gas detection device may comprise a sensor configured to sense silane compounds, such as SiH4 or other Si _x H _y compounds. For instance, when fermenting sewage sludge, silane compounds may be generated.

The methane and other gas sensor(s) are used to evaluate the gas composition of the gas. The gas composition may influence to the combustion properties. Or, the other way around, the combustion properties are dependent upon the gas composition. Hence, when knowing the gas composition, the combustion properties may be predicted and controlled. For instance, based on the composition the combustion, flow of the gas to a combustion unit, etc. may be controlled. Additionally or alternatively, the flow of oxygen (such as the flow of air) to such combustion unit may be controlled dependent upon the gas composition. Hence, the invention also involves in an embodiment (a method) further comprising controlling combustion of the gas in a (remote) combustion unit in dependence of the composition of the gas. In a specific embodiment, the combustion of the gas may be controlled by controlling the amount of oxygen provided to the combustion unit. In yet another specific embodiment, the control unit is further configured to control combustion of the gas in a (remote) combustion unit in dependence of the composition of the gas. Alternatively or additionally, the combustion unit may comprise a controller, wherein the controller is configured to receive (optionally via a combustion unit sensor) the signal of the detection device, and be configured to control combustion of the gas in the combustion unit in dependence of the composition of the gas.

The term calorimetric value is known in the art, and relates to the energy per volume of a gas. Natural gas such as distributed in the Netherlands may have a calorimetric value in the range of about 31.65 MJ/m ³ (Groningen gas).

In a specific embodiment, the device comprises a calorimetric sensor. In an embodiment, the calorimetric sensor may be selected from the group consisting of catalyst based calorimetric sensors. Hence, in an embodiment, the calorimetric sensor is a catalyst based calorimetric sensor, such as based on standard catalyst like Pt or oxides of Fe, Ni, Cr or V (and optionally combinations of two or more of those). In general, the catalyst will be heated to its working temperature, then the gas is supplied, and heat flux is measured with array of temperature sensors.

The processor unit may comprise a memory, for storing (processed) sensor signals. Therefore, the gas detection device may further comprise a memory configured to store the gas composition and/or calorimetric value of the gas as function of the time. In this way, data (i.e. "information") on the composition of the gas over time and/or data on the caloric value of the gas over time may be stored in the device. Alternatively or additionally, such data may be communicated to an (external) device. Amongst others to this end, the device may comprises a communication device. The communication device is configured to generate the output signal, which output signal may contain information on the gas composition and/or the calorimetric value of the gas.

The communication device may be arranged to communicate the data wireless or wired. In a specific embodiment, the communication device is a telecommunication device. In a further specific embodiment, the communication device is configured to communicate the output signal wireless.

With the communication device information derived by the sensor may be communicated to other apparatus. This apparatus may be nearby, such as another controller, a valve, etc., but may also be more remote, like a combustion unit. The communication device may communicate the information to the receiver. The communication device may communicate the information to one or more devices from the receiver, such as a (domestic) combustion unit. The communication device may communicate the information to a (remote) user interface.

The data can be transformed into a database format that can be processed and analyzed. The data can be validated according to predefined validation rules. The data can be aggregated according to predefined time intervals and stored in memory. The data can be used to generate a report to a user, for example, via a user interface.

The invention provides in an embodiment also (a method) communicating to the receiver the amount of energy provided to the receiver. This communication may be a direct communication, such as to a communication receiver, such as computer configured to receive communication via internet or telecommunication, a user- interface, a printer, etc.. This communication to the receiver, may also be indirect, for instance when the information is first provided to the supplier, and then sent by the supplier to the receiver. In an embodiment, the invention may further involve communicating to a provider of the gas the amount of energy provided to the receiver. In yet a further embodiment, the invention may further involve communicating to the receiver the costs involved for the receiver based on the energy provided to the receiver. This communication may again be a direct communication, when the processor possesses information on the costs per unit of energy. This communication may also be an indirect information, when for instance the provided volume is communicated to the supplier, and based on the costs per unit of energy, the supplier communicates the costs involved for the receiver to the receiver.

To estimate the amount of energy used, also a flow meter may be applied. This flow meter and the gas detection device are especially arranged to detect the flow provided to the receiver and to detect the caloric value of the gas provided to the receiver. The controller can based on those figures provide the information on the amount of energy provided to the receiver. The detection device may comprise the flow meter.

As mentioned above, the information may also be communicated to the supplier.

For instance, in dependence of one or more of the caloric value of the gas and the composition of the gas, upstream of the receiver a second gas may be admixed to the gas. Such second gas may for instance be selected from the group consisting of methane, natural gas (optionally of another composition), biogas, and ¾. The admixed gas may for instance originate from another supplier. Such other supplier may be a (small) local supplier. Such supplier may be a temporary supplier, which for instance only supplies second gas when having excess gas. Examples of such other supplier may for instance be green houses, digesters, large combustion plants, etc. Other suppliers than the main supplier are herein also indicated as "subsidiary supplier". Hence, the second gas is provided by a subsidiary supplier.

The term "receiver" may refer to an end-user, but may also refer to a distribution station (in a gas network).

In a further aspect, the invention also provides a (domestic) gas meter comprising the gas detection device. In yet another aspect, the invention provides a (regional) gas distribution network part comprising one or more gas detection devices as described herein (in their various embodiments), configured to measure the composition and/or calorimetric value of a methane comprising gas flowing through the part. Such part may be a tube. Such part may also be (a tube in) a distribution station. The gas detection device may have a communication device adapted to a specific communication receiver. Since communication may be based on different options and protocols (wired, wireless, telecom, etc.), the invention also provides a gas detection device for determining the composition and/or calorimetric value of a gas comprising methane, the device comprising: one or more sensors configured to sense methane and one or more other compounds and/or a calorimetric sensor; a processor unit configured to receive sensor signals of the sensors and configured to provide a corresponding output signal containing information on the gas composition and/or calorimetric value of the gas; and a connector arranged to allow connecting a communication device configured to communicate the output signal. Depending upon the desired way of communication, a communication device may be connected to the sensor device. For instance, a socket may be used as connector, and a communication device may be plugged in the socket. Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

Figures la- lb schematically depict examples of gas distribution;

Figures 2a-2d schematically depict embodiments of the device (2a), also in relation to a combustor (2b), or in a network (2c-2d); and

Figures 3a-3b schematically depict further embodiments of the device.

Description of preferred embodiments

Figure la schematically depicts ways in which gas distribution may take place. A main gas stream 100 of methane comprising gas 7 (further also indicated as gas 7) may be divided in a plurality of gas streams, indicated with references 110, for instance for regional distribution. Those gas streams 110 may again be divided in to gas streams 111, for instance for distribution to particular households and/or other end-users. Reference 200 indicates a control unit, which control unit may contain the device according to the invention (see further also below).

By way of example, the control 200 is arranged in the main gas stream 100, but such controls may also be arranged elsewhere (see also figure lb), such as in the branch streams 1 10 and/or 1 1 1. The depicted branching is only a schematical illustration of a main stream of gas which is branched.

Figure lb schematically depicts a way in which gas distribution may take place, similar to the one depicted in figure la, but now with more control units, indicated with references 200, 210, 21 1.

Here the distribution further includes, next to the central or main stream 100, decentralized or subsidiary supplies 300. Due to the presence of such additional supplies, it may be necessary to control the gas streams, especially downstream of such additional supplies 300. Hence, in this embodiment, a plurality of controls are provided, also in one or more branch streams 210,21 1. Further, in this embodiment, by way of example, each final branch (for instance to an end-user) may comprise a control, indicated with reference 21 1 (such as for instance a domestic gas meter).

Figure 2a schematically depicts a gas detection device 1 ("device 1"). The device comprises one or more (here a plurality of) sensors, indicated with reference 10, which are arranged to sense one or more gasses comprises by the methane comprising gas 7. The one or more sensors 10 are configured to sense methane and optionally one or more other compounds, such as selected from the group consisting of CO, C0 ₂ , H ₂ , N ₂ , 0 ₂ , C ₂ H ₂ , C ₂ H ₄ , C ₂ H ₆ , C3H8, C ₄ Hio and C5H12. Only by way of example, three sensors 10 are schematically depicted.

The device 1 further comprises a calorimetric sensor 20, configured to derive the calorimetric value of the gas. The sensors 10,20 provide a sensor signal, that is sent, wireless or wired to a processor unit 30. The processor unit 30 is configured to receive the sensor signals of the sensors and configured to provide a corresponding output signal containing information on the gas composition and/or calorimetric value of the gas.

The device 1 may further comprise a memory, not shown, to store the sensor signals or processed sensor signals. The processor unit 30 may, based on the sensor signals, provide information on the gas composition and/or calorimetric value of the gas sensed.

Based on for instance gas flow information, such as from a flow meter, the processor unit 30 may also be configured to estimate the energy (calories/joules) provided to a receiver. Such flow information may for instance be received from a flow meter 70, which is not necessarily part of the device 1. The information of the flow meter 70 may be received by the processor directly from such flow meter 70 but may in an embodiment also be received via a communication device 40 (wired or wireless).

The device further (thus) comprises a communication device 40, configured to communicate the output signal from the processor to other apparatus. For instance, the output signal may be communicated to a combustion device, to a computer of a receiver, to a computer of the supplier of the gas, to a mobile detection device (for instance from service employees of the supplier of the gas), to a printer, etc.

By way of example, the device 1 comprises a channel 3, having an opening 2 and optionally an exit 4, through which the gas 7 may flow. The sensors 10,20 may sample the gas 7. Optionally, one or more of them may also be placed in the channel 3. Further, by way of example, the sensors 10,20 are shown to comprise exits 14,24, respectively. Through those exits, gas 7 and/or (gaseous) gas sensor products may escape, such as combustion products (of a catalyst based calorimetric sensor).

Figure 2b schematically depicts a domestic gas meter 51 comprising the gas detection device 1, and optionally the gas flow meter 70. Based on the sensed composition of the gas, the gas detection device 1 sends an output signal, wired or wireless, to for instance a combustor 60. For instance this may be a domestic combustor (for a household), or a combustor for a plant, etc. Based on the output signal containing information on the composition and/or calorimetric value (of the gas) received from the detection device 1, the combustion device 60 may control combustion, for instance by controlling the amount of oxygen available for combustion.

Figure 2c schematically depicts a gas network 5. The network may include distribution sites, where branching takes place. Parts of the network, such as those distribution sites or simply part of a tube, are indicated with reference 52.. The network 5 may comprise one or more detection devices 1 (in or associated to such parts).

Figure 2d schematically depicts a gas network 5, but now including subsidiary suppliers 300. Such subsidiary suppliers 300 may provide also gas 7 (here second gas, indicated with reference 17) to the network 5, in addition to a main supplier. By way of example, valves 301 are drawn, which may regulate the contribution of the second gas 17 to the methane comprising gas / to the network 5. The contribution by the subsidiary suppliers may be controlled, such as by controlling valve(s) 301, by the main supplier and/or by the subsidiary supplier 300, for instance in relation to the gas composition of the gas 7 (in the network 5 or in part of the network). Figure 2d schematically depicts two types of possible suppliers 300. On the left, there is a supplier 300 that only provides second gas 17 to the network 5; whereas on the right, a supplier 300 is depicted that both may receive and supply gas from and to the network 5, respectively.

Figure 3a schematically depicts an embodiment of the detection device 1, such as integrated on a chip. Figure 3b schematically depicts another embodiment of the device 1, wherein the device 1 comprises a connector 41 for connecting a control unit 40 to the device. For instance, based on the desired type of communication, a dedicated communication device 40 may be connected to the device 1 (via connector 41).

Hence, the invention may especially relate to the following embodiments, which are only for the sake of easy reference numbered:

1. A gas detection device for determining the composition and calorimetric value of a gas comprising methane, the device comprising:

a. one or more sensors configured to sense methane and one or more other compounds;

b. a calorimetric sensor, wherein the calorimetric sensor may especially comprise a catalyst based calorimetric sensor;

c. a processor unit configured to receive sensor signals of the sensors and configured to provide a corresponding output signal containing information on the gas composition and calorimetric value of the gas; and

d. a communication device configured to communicate the output signal.

2. The gas detection device according to embodiment 1, wherein the communication device is a telecommunication device.

3. The gas detection device according to any one of the preceding embodiments comprising a sensor configured to sense methane and one or more sensors configured to sense one or more other compounds selected from the group consisting of CO, C0 ₂ , H ₂ , N ₂ , 0 ₂ , C ₂ H ₂ , C ₂ H ₄ , C ₂ H ₆ , C ₃ H ₈ , C ₄ H ₁₀ and C ₅ H ₁₂ .

4. The gas detection device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the calorimetric sensor is a catalyst based calorimetric sensor.

5. The gas detection device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein one or more of the sensors are integrated on a chip.

6. The gas detection device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the gas detection device is a single chip. 7. The gas detection device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the communication device is configured to communicate the output signal wireless.

8. The gas detection device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the control unit is further configured to control combustion of the gas in a (remote) combustion unit in dependence of the composition of the gas.

9. A gas detection device for determining the composition and calorimetric value of a gas comprising methane, the device comprising:

a. one or more sensors configured to sense methane and one or more other compounds;

b. a calorimetric sensor;

c. a processor unit configured to receive sensor signals of the sensors and configured to provide a corresponding output signal containing information on the gas composition and calorimetric value of the gas; and

d. a connector arranged to allow connecting a communication device configured to communicate the output signal.

10. The gas detection device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a memory configured to store the gas composition and calorimetric value of the gas as function of the time.

11. A domestic gas meter comprising the gas detection device according to any one of embodiments 1-10.

12. A regional gas distribution network part comprising one or more gas detection devices according to any one of embodiments 1-10, configured to measure the composition and calorimetric value of a methane comprising gas flowing through the part.

13. A method for determining the amount of energy provided to a receiver, wherein the energy is provided to the receiver with a methane comprising gas as energy carrier, comprising:

a. detecting the flow of the gas to the receiver;

b. detecting the gas to the receiver with the gas detection device according to any one of embodiments 1-10 to provide the output signal containing information on the gas composition and calorimetric value of the gas; and c. deriving from the gas flow and the caloric value the amount of energy provided to the receiver.

14. The method according to embodiment 13, wherein the gas further comprises bio methane.

15. The method according to any one of embodiment 13-14, wherein the gas further comprises hydrogen (H2).

16. The method according to any one of embodiments 13-15, wherein the method further comprises communicating to the receiver the amount of energy provided to the receiver.

17. The method according to any one of embodiments 13-16, further comprising communicating to a provider of the gas the amount of energy provided to the receiver.

18. The method according to any one of embodiments 13-17, further comprising communicating to the receiver the costs involved for the receiver based on the energy provided to the receiver.

19. The method according to any one of embodiments 13-18, further comprising controlling combustion of the gas in a (remote) combustion unit in dependence of the composition of the gas.

20. The method according to embodiment 19, wherein the combustion of the gas is controlled by controlling the amount of oxygen provided to the combustion unit.

21. The method according to any one of embodiments 13-20, wherein in dependence of one or more of the caloric value of the gas and the composition of the gas, upstream of the receiver a second gas is admixed to the gas.

22. The method according to embodiment 21, wherein the second gas is provided by a subsidiary supplier.

Herein, the terms like "a and/or b" are equivalent to the phrase "one or more selected from the group consisting of a and b.

The term "substantially" herein, such as in "substantially all emission" or in "substantially consists", will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The term "substantially" may also include embodiments with "entirely", "completely", "all", etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective substantially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term "substantially" may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99%> or higher, even more especially 99.5%> or higher, including i ₀ %>. The term "comprise" includes also embodiments wherein the term "comprises" means "consists of.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

The devices herein are amongst others described during operation. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to methods of operation or devices in operation.

The present invention may also be embodied as a computer program product, e.g. in the form of software code stored on a medium such as an optical disk (CD, DVD, BD), a semiconductor memory unit (USB stick, SD-card, etc), which comprises executable instructions. The executable instructions enable a processor (e.g. a general purpose computer provided with interface circuitry) to carry out the method embodiments as described above.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "to comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.