| Title | Optimization of A Booster Pump Location Within the Reykjaveita Hot Water Distribution System in NE Iceland Using A Network Model |
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| Authors | Agust GUDMUNDSSON, Helgi G. GUNNARSSON |
| Year | 2020 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | Iceland, Reykjaveita, hot water distribution system, network model, booster pump |
| Abstract | Norðurorka, a regional utility company in NE Iceland, owns and operates the Reykjaveita hot water distribution system which supplies hot water to homes and businesses in the rural area of Fnjóskadalur valley and in the small fishing village of GrenivÃk. The hot water transmission main extends 50 km from the Reykir low temperature geothermal field in Fnjóskadalur valley, 200 m a.s.l., down to the fishing village of GrenivÃk in the Eyjafjörður fjord. Since the distribution network was taken into operation in 2006, the demand for hot water has increased as new consumers have been added to the network, including individual homes as well as larger consumers such as the local swimming pool in GrenivÃk and a fish drying processing plant. Because of this increased demand, the distribution system reaches its maximum capacity during peak demand periods, leading to insufficient pressure in homes at the highest elevations in GrenivÃk. Norðurorka commissioned Vatnaskil Consulting Engineers to set up a network model of the Reykjaveita distribution system with the aim of locating weak points on the distribution line and modelling the effect of future scenerios of increased demand both in Fnjóskadalur valley and in GrenivÃk. The network model was constructed and based on an existing network database of the distribution system. The model was calibrated using annual average consumer demand and pressure measurements taken along the distribution main over a week-long period. The initial calibration of the model and review of the pressure measurements revealed the need for a booster pump station along the distribution main as a mitigation measure to supply a sufficient amount of hot water to current costumers during peak hours, reduce pressure fluctuations along the distribution main and account for expected increased demand in the near future. To find the optimal location for the booster station along the distribution main, the calibrated network model was then used to test different locations with respect to different future scenarios of increased demand both in Fnjóskadalur valley and the village of GrenivÃk. |