Computer Simulation of Thermal Plant Operations

This book describes thermal plant simulation, that is, dynamic simulation of plants which produce, exchange and otherwise utilize heat as their working medium. Directed at chemical, mechanical and control engineers involved with operations, control and optimization and operator training, the book gives the mathematical formulation and use of simulation models of the equipment and systems typically found in these industries. The author has adopted a fundamental approach to the subject. The initial chapters provide an overview of simulation concepts and describe a suitable computer environment. Reviews of relevant numerical computation methods and fundamental thermodynamics are followed by a detailed examination of the basic conservation equations. The bulk of the book is concerned with development of specific simulation models. Care is taken to trace each model derivation path from the basic underlying physical equations, explaining simplifying and restrictive assumptions as they arise and relating the model coefficients to the physical dimensions and physical properties of the working materials. Numerous photographs of real equipment complement the text and most models are illustrated by numerical examples based on typical real plant operations.

Peter O’Kelly’s career as a professional engineer began at the Electricity Commission of NSW, Australia. He later spent eight years with Kraftwerk Union (now Siemens PG) in Germany, working on the design, operation and simulation of nuclear power stations. After a further three years of simulator design and operator training in France and Brazil he returned to Australia and founded Costec Pty Ltd, a developer and manufacturer of operator training simulators for fossil-fuelled power plants. Through a merger and public float, Costec became part of Techcomm Group Ltd and for two years the author was Head of its Power and Simulation Division. In 2002 he founded Costec Systems Pty Ltd, a designer of operator training systems and engineering consulting company, and remains its CEO. He earned a B.E.(Elec), M.Eng.Sc., and Ph.D. from the University of NSW Australia.