| Title | Numerical Simulation of a Steam Pipeline Network Using Dymola |
|---|---|
| Authors | Maurizio CEI, Mirco LUPI |
| Year | 2020 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | Larderello, Gathering System, Pipeline Management |
| Abstract | This paper focuses on the simulation and performance analysis of a steam pipeline network located in the so-called “traditional†geothermal area of Tuscany. The area hosts a steam-dominated geothermal system characterized by the presence of shallow and deeper reservoirs with different temperature and pressure conditions. The pipeline network examined counts of more than a hundred of branches and supplies steam produced by 37 wells of the area to 8 power units with a total of 200 MWe installed. A model of this steam pipeline network was developed in the simulation environment Dymola® using both Modelica Standard Library elements and others specifically created. The model is capable of simulating the steady-state behavior of the network in terms of pressure drops, mass and energy flow rates, and heat losses using as inputs the well and turbine characteristic curves as well as the main pipeline network technical specifications. Once validated against the actual field operating data in order to check the accuracy of the modeling process and ensure the model reliability, the model could be used to support the operation in maximizing the power generation by means of a proper distribution of the steam flows or in verifying a-priori the effects of maneuvers on the steam pipeline network. A case study of interest is presented with the aim of illustrating the main features of the model and to demonstrate its potentialities in the context of steam pipeline network performance analysis. The conclusions of the work are drawn pointing out which possible improvements can be implemented in order to increase the model accuracy in predicting the actual behavior of the network and extend its areas of application. |