The VariSim Suite supports some very powerful applications for the heat network industry that can be applied to any pipeline configuration – whether simple A to B pipelines or more complex networks. Desktop studies can be undertaken for designing, planning, troubleshooting and optimising.
If it is possible to obtain recorded data, VariSims dynamic simulator capabilities can provide a unique insight into the performance of a heat network and visibly demonstrate the dynamic interaction of the whole pipeline infrastructure – including the control schemes. This provides the ultimate environment for helping to solve the day to day operational issues that are being increasingly experienced on heat networks.
Use the powerful build processes to generate models of any heat network including simple A to B pipelines, branched pipelines or complex networks. Simulator models are created with VariBuild using the inbuilt user interface with graphical drag and drop functionality and/or the model build wizard that imports models from third party databases and GIS shape files.
| Design, Plan, Troubleshoot, Optimise |
|---|
| Starting conditions can be based on design data, field observed data or logger data depending on the objective of the study which can include:- Steady state flow, pressure and temperature distribution for detailed review. Dynamic hydraulic and thermal reaction to equipment operation, control schemes and supply / consumer changes. The behaviour of energy centres including boilers, thermal stores, pumps and complex control schemes. The effects of any surge suppression techniques |
| Perform repeated simulations to optimise the operation of the heat network and accurately size equipment across the range of transient pipeline conditions. Example optimisations include pipe sizing, pump sizing, valve set-point and control system settings, boiler settings, thermal store sizing etc. |
| Use the VariSim tools for tracing flow, analysing isolation sequences and their effects. |
| Display all VariSim output in a GIS format against any background shape files such as street layout. |
VariSim has the ability to use measured data to drive it. With this type of simulation, it mimics the real pipeline and is often termed an online simulator or a digital twin. The measurement data may be logger data so that it mimics the pipeline / network reaction at the time the logger data was recorded, or it can use current data (obtained through the connection to a live database) to make the simulator a real time simulator.
A real time simulator can transfer its current state to a copy of the simulator operating in a desktop environment. This allows the user to initiate the simulation with current conditions for subsequent simulation and analysis.
In reality, all heat networks are transient and in a state of flow and temperature imbalance. True transient simulation is essential for solving the conditions of imbalanced heat networks and a simulator that uses a steady state solution will frequently fail to achieve this.
| Monitor, Detect, Optimise |
|---|
| View any VariSim calculated value at any location on the pipeline / network including flow, pressure, temperature, velocity, density, wavespeed, valve positions etc. |
| Obtain Virtual Instrumentation values at any location on the pipeline / system |
| Detect events and anomalies that develop on the heat network. • High / Low Pressure, Flow, Velocity, Temperature. • Areas of excessive pressure or temperature loss • Excessive start / stops of boilers and pumps • Poor Thermal Store behaviour |
| Analyse the potential for consumer interruptions |
| View all data against any GIS information including street maps. |
| Add plugins for additional functionality including :- • Leak Detection and Location • Management and Balancing of the Network • Optimisation • Pump Management • Pig Tracking • Boiler and Thermal Store Management |
| Display output in standard VariSim displays and / or a SCADA style graphical user interface. |
Energy Centre Simulation
Network Analysis and GIS Display
Thermal Store Simulation
Consumer Simulation
Leak Detection
Pipeline Management Systems
Performance Studies
Batch and Capacity Management
Leak Detection
Optimisation
Monitoring
Engineer and Operator Training
Call us now to find out how VariSim can give you complete control on
