Modeling, Simulation, and Control of Steam Generation Processes

Abstract

This chapter describes a modeling methodology to provide the main characteristics of a simulation tool to analyze the steady state, transient operation, and control of steam generation processes, such as heat recovery steam generators (HRSG). The methodology includes a modular strategy that considers individual heat exchangers such as: economizers, evapo-rators, superheaters, drum tanks, and control systems. The modular strategy consists of the development of a numerical modeling tool that integrates sub-models based upon first principle equations of mass, energy, and momentum balance. The main heat transfer mech- anisms characterize the dynamics of steam generation systems during normal and abnor-mal operations, which include the response of key process variables such as vapor pressure, temperature, and mass flow rate. Other important variables are: gas temperature, fluid temperature, drum pressure, drum ’ s liquid level, and mass flow rate at each module. Those variables are usually analyzed with design predicted performance of real industrial equip- ment such as HRSG systems. Finally, two case studies of the application of the modeling strategy are provided to show the effectiveness and utility of the methodology.