LAUSR

When regulating a pipe network according to user demand, hydraulic balance and power consumption are crucial factors for a multi-source looped-pipe network applying distributed variable-speed pumps compared to the conventional central circulating pump system. In this paper, the influence of the fill point on power consumption and hydraulic balance of the multi-source looped-pipe network was studied. A mathematical model for electricity energy consumption analysis was built and calculated for a large sized looped-pipe network with multiple heat sources and distributed variable-speed pumps. The hydraulic calculation models of each single element, such as pipe, distribution pump, valve, replenishment pump, heat source and substation, were built. A case located in Dezhou city, China was analyzed. The results showed that: the maximum power saving (39.2%) could be achieved when each heat source had its own fill point, but the heat sources would not meet their design flows; to meet the design flows of all the heat sources, only one fill point should be necessarily located near the heat source with the lowest flow rate to get the expected hydraulic stability and energy saving.