System and method for operating steam systems

摘要

A system and method for operating a steam system, such as a district heating system is provided with provisions for predicting potential water hammer conditions. The system measures steam parameters as inputs into a steam system engine. The steam system engine uses physics models and empirical steam flow behavior models to determine a condensate parameter such as rate of condensate generation and condensate levels within the system. When the condensate parameter exceeds a threshold, a signal is transmitted to the system operator so that actions may be taken to alleviate or prevent undesired conditions.

主权项

1. A district heating system have a steam source and a distal heat load, the system comprising:
a plurality of conduits configured to transfer steam from the steam source to the distal heat load, the plurality of conduits disposed below ground level, the plurality of conduits having a first conduit, the first conduit having a first end and a second end, the second end being vertically lower than the first end, the steam flowing from the first end to the second end; a first sensor measuring at least one first steam parameter associated with the first conduit between the first end and the second end; a steam trap operably coupled to the second end; a controller coupled to the first sensor to receive a first signal indicating the at least one first steam parameter, the controller having a processor that is responsive to executable instructions when executed on the processor for determining a movement of condensate towards the first end and a first condensate location in the first conduit based at least in part on the first signal.