Grouped Node Iteration for Junction Pressure Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distributed simulation systems for process networks face challenges in accurately and efficiently calculating pressure and flow variables, especially at junction nodes where flow converges or diverges, leading to potential inaccuracies and computational inefficiencies due to the need for centralized coordination and handling of matrix singularities.
Innovation Solution
A method using a grouped node identification technique to solve for pressures at junction nodes, employing a grouped node iteration and flow-based pressure calibration to ensure accurate real-time pressure and flow variable determination, eliminating the need for a central coordinator and improving computational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a centralized coordination approach is used to calculate pressure and flow variables in distributed simulation systems, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and computational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the calculation process by identifying grouped nodes (junction nodes and their directly connected nodes) as independent calculation units. Each grouped node set performs pressure and flow calculations locally using its own mass balance equations, eliminating the need for centralized coordination while maintaining accuracy through localized mass conservation enforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the calculation approach by organizing nodes into grouped sets based on spatial topology (junction nodes and their connections) rather than using a centralized hierarchical structure. This dimensional reorganization allows parallel independent calculations at each grouped node while preserving the physical relationships through mass balance constraints.
2Ease of operation
If traditional sequential methods are used to solve pressure and flow equations, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity and computational efficiency worsen due to matrix singularities and iterative convergence issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification and grouping of nodes into junction nodes and their directly connected nodes before calculation. This pre-organization into calculation sets enables direct application of mass balance equations to each group without encountering matrix singularity issues, eliminating the need for iterative convergence procedures and improving computational speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the same mass balance calculation methodology to each grouped node set independently, copying the calculation procedure across multiple node groups. This standardized approach maintains simplicity while achieving parallel execution and improved productivity through elimination of iterative convergence requirements.
3Productivity
If distributed calculation without centralized coordination is implemented, then productivity and computational efficiency are improved, but measurement precision and reliability worsen due to potential flow imbalance at junction nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the calculation of pressure and flow variables into a unified mass balance equation for each grouped node set. By combining these calculations and solving them simultaneously using the identified node groupings, the method ensures flow balance accuracy at junction nodes while maintaining distributed independent calculation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the mass balance equations that enforce flow conservation at each junction node. The calculated flow variables are fed back into the mass balance constraints to verify and adjust pressure and flow values, ensuring accuracy while maintaining the distributed calculation structure without centralized coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure and flow calculation technique can be used in a distributed process network simulation system that uses the sequential solving method to perform better or faster simulations of a process flow, especially with respect to process junction nodes at which flow either converges or diverges. The pressure and flow variable determination technique uses a grouped node identification technique that identifies a local set of nodes for each junction node of the process network to use when solving for the pressure at the junction node, a grouped node iteration technique that uses the grouped set of nodes at each junction node to perform iterative pressure calculations at the junction node, and a flow-based pressure calibration technique at each junction node to enable the system to perform highly accurate pressure and flow variable determination at each junction node in real-time.