Method and apparatus for real-time analysis of district heating pipe network based on time sequence data of heat demand
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional district heating network analysis systems lack real-time information on the physical state and fluid flow within the pipes, making it difficult for operators to optimize network operations and evaluate pipe conditions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a processor to receive and calculate data on the structure and physical state of district heating network pipes, providing real-time information on the physical state and fluid flow by collecting and processing pipe data and input data, including cross-sectional area, length, heat loss coefficients, and real-time fluid parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional analysis systems only measure at heat source and consumer endpoints, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and information completeness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary calculation module that uses measured data from endpoints combined with pipe structure data to derive physical state information for intermediate sections. This intermediary approach allows obtaining middle-section temperature, pressure, and heat loss data without installing physical sensors throughout the entire network, thus improving measurement precision while avoiding proportional increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual model (copy) of the pipe network including pipe sections, nodes, and physical properties. This digital copy allows calculation and visualization of physical state at any point in the network based on endpoint measurements, providing comprehensive information without requiring physical measurement devices at every location
2Loss of information
If real-time data collection from all network points is implemented, then information completeness improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pipe network into discrete pipe sections connected at nodes, allowing the system to calculate and provide information for each segment individually. This segmentation enables comprehensive coverage of all network points through calculation rather than requiring physical sensors at every segment, thus improving information completeness without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The analysis server performs multiple functions: storing pipe structure data, receiving endpoint measurement data, calculating physical state for all sections, and providing results. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems for each function, reducing overall device complexity while achieving complete information coverage
3Measurement precision
If pipe structure data and real-time measurement data are integrated for calculation, then analysis accuracy improves, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by storing pipe structure data (length, inner diameter, heat loss coefficient) in advance in the analysis server before real-time analysis is needed. This pre-stored structural information is then combined with real-time measurement data during calculation, improving analysis accuracy without adding processing complexity at the moment of data collection, as the structural framework is already prepared
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for real-time analysis of the district heating network is disclosed. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for analyzing a district heating network including pipes and fluids inside the pipes includes receiving, by a processor, pipe data representing a structure of the pipes; receiving, by the processor, input data on at least one of the physical state of the district heating network and the flow of fluids; calculating, by the processor, data for at least one of the physical state of the district heating network or the flow of fluids using the pipe data and the input data.