ABSTRACT

Simulation is the development and solution of a mathematical model that predicts the operating condition of a thermal energy system. Together, simulation and evaluation provide the design engineer with the means to study several thermal energy systems using computer software and allow the designer to feel confident that the selected thermal system will operate as predicted by the simulation. Optimization considers what configuration the thermal energy system should take to operate at an optimum condition. Using the Swamee-Jain correlation, a set of equations can be added to the simulation set. The simulation results provide the operating point of the pump and pipe system. The simulation equations are solving for the intersection of two 2-dimensional equations; the system curve and the pump performance curve. Modern software has allowed the engineer to completely model the thermal energy system to any level of complexity desired.