Heat Network Simulation

Thermo-hydraulic network simulation, solver technology and numerical methods

Heat network simulation computes pressure, mass flow and temperature across the entire network over time, making the design and operation of modern heat networks predictable. At its centre sits the simulation solver, which solves the hydraulic and thermal systems of equations in a coupled way. This topic area explains the computational methods behind thermo-hydraulic network simulation — from the network graph to time integration.

2 articles in this category

Thermo-Hydraulic Simulation: A Deep Dive

Fundamentals of thermo-hydraulic simulation in district heating networks: methods, models and application

VICUS Solver: the Engine Behind Heat Network Simulation

How does a solver compute the thermo-hydraulic simulation of a district heating network? From the network graph via the coupling of hydraulics and thermal transport, CVODE and Newton iteration to the sparse linear system — clearly explained.

Other topics

Building Simulation Dynamic simulation, summer heat protection, BIM and comfort analysis
Heat Generation Heat load demand, generation concepts, energy storage and efficiency
Network Design Pipe dimensioning, loss calculation, network temperatures and heat density
Network Hydraulics Pressurization, pressure profiles, operating modes and control
Piping Technology Pipe systems, network structure, laying methods and thermal expansion
Cold District Heating 5GDHC networks, dimensioning and prosumer concepts
Plant Engineering Transfer stations, pumps, heating curves, hydraulic balancing and domestic hot water
Planning Supply area, planning phases and project workflow
Economics Economic analysis, funding, tariff design and contracts
Operations Optimization Return temperature, temperature reduction, monitoring and digital twin
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