2024/04/29 by Sai Krishna Kanth Hari, Hari, Sai Krishna K., Anatoly Zlotnik +7
Engineering · #34B45 #76N25 #90C26 #FOS: Mathematics #Integrated Energy Systems Optimization #J.2 #Optimization and Control (math.OC)
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2404.18868
openalex publication_date 2024/04/29 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
We examine the modeling, simulation, and optimization of district heating systems, which are widely used for thermal transport using steam or hot water as a carrier. We propose a generalizable framework to specify network models and scenario parameters, and develop an optimization method for evaluating system states including pressures, fluid flow rates, and temperatures throughout the network. The network modeling includes pipes, thermal plants, pumps, and passive or controllable loads as system components. We propose basic models for thermodynamic fluid transport and enforce the balance of physical quantities in steady-state flow over co-located outgoing and return networks. We formulate an optimization problem with steam and hot water as the outgoing and return carriers, as in legacy 20th century systems. The physical laws and engineering limitations are specified for each component type, and the thermal network flow optimization (TNFO) problem is formulated and solved for a realistic test network under several scenarios.