Models of large-scale industrial energy systems—I. Simulation

Abstract

The energy systems in modern industrial plants are complex and of large scale. Engineers are increasingly turning to computer models for assistance in solving the sophisticated technical problems associated with these systems. The models developed to date have covered single energy sub-systems, such as the steam or electricity system. There is a need for plant-level overview models which can assist in the co-ordination of the energy sub-systems. An overview-level simulation model is presented in this paper. Systems theory and exergy are used extensively in this research. Exergy is used in the creation of a set of variables which can represent all energy forms, allowing combination of the sub-systems into a single unified model. Systems theory is used in the development of component models and formulations. The advantages of the new model include the ability to integrate the energy sub-systems into a single model, access to well-developed techniques for handling large and complex systems, a simultaneous rather than iterative solution, and ease of computerization.