Pump-stopping-induced hydraulic oscillations in long-distance district heating system: Modelling and a comprehensive analysis of critical factors

Abstract

To achieve low-carbon goals, long-distance district heating (LDH) systems are widely applied, which utilize the waste heats from renewable energy power plants and waste incineration plants. The hydraulic oscillations induced by pump-stopping in LDH systems may give rise to critical incidents, such as pipeline ruptures and heating disruptions. The systematic analysis of hydraulic oscillations induced by pump-stopping and the subsequent revelation of critical factors that mitigate their intensity are fundamental prerequisites for ensuring the safety and reliability of LDH system. In this paper, firstly, a pump-stopping hydraulic transient model of the LDH system is established based on the distributed parameter method. Then, combining the method of characteristics (MOC) and the Newton iteration method, the numerical solution scheme for this model is proposed. Finally, taking a 20 km LDH system as an example, the characteristics of hydraulic oscillations induced by pump-stopping is analyzed, and the key factors influencing the intensity of these hydraulic oscillations are investigated. In addition, the differences between hydraulic oscillations induced by pump-stopping and those induced by sudden faults on pipelines are also analyzed. The results indicate that an optimal pump inertia moment value and a properly sized bypass pipe at the pump significantly mitigate hydraulic oscillations, while the influence of constant pressure at the heat source inlet on hydraulic oscillations can be negligible. Our study has important reference value for improving the safe and reliable operation of LDH systems.