Base class for distributed flow models. The total volume is split into nNodes segments along the flow path. The default value is nNodes=2.
The mass and energy balances are inherited from Interfaces.PartialDistributedVolume. One total mass and one energy balance is formed across each segment according to the finite volume approach. Substance mass balances are added if the medium contains more than one component.
An extending model needs to define the geometry and the difference in heights between the flow segments (static head). Moreover it needs to define two vectors of source terms for the distributed energy balance:
Qb_flows[nNodes]
, the heat flow
source terms, e.g., conductive heat flows across segment
boundaries, andWb_flows[nNodes]
, the work source
terms.The momentum balance is determined by the
FlowModel
component, which can be
replaced with any model extended from
BaseClasses.FlowModels.PartialStaggeredFlowModel. The default
setting is
DetailedPipeFlow.
This considers
flowModel.use_Ib_flows
is true.The momentum balances are formulated across the segment
boundaries along the flow path according to the staggered grid
approach. The configurable
modelStructure
determines the
formulation of the boundary conditions at port_a
and
port_b
. The options include (default: av_vb):
av_vb
: Symmetric setting with nNodes-1 momentum
balances between nNodes flow segments. The ports
port_a
and port_b
expose the first and
the last thermodynamic state, respectively. Connecting two or more
flow devices therefore may result in high-index DAEs for the
pressures of connected flow segments.a_v_b
: Alternative symmetric setting with nNodes+1
momentum balances across nNodes flow segments. Half momentum
balances are placed between port_a
and the first flow
segment as well as between the last flow segment and
port_b
. Connecting two or more flow devices therefore
results in algebraic pressures at the ports. The specification of
good start values for the port pressures is essential for the
solution of large nonlinear equation systems.av_b
: Asymmetric setting with nNodes momentum
balances, one between nth volume and port_b
, potential
pressure state at port_a
a_vb
: Asymmetric setting with nNodes momentum
balance, one between first volume and port_a
,
potential pressure state at port_b
When connecting two components, e.g., two pipes, the momentum balance across the connection point reduces to
pipe1.port_b.p = pipe2.port_a.p
This is only true if the flow velocity remains the same on each side of the connection. Consider using a fitting for any significant change in diameter or fluid density, if the resulting effects, such as change in kinetic energy, cannot be neglected. This also allows for taking into account friction losses with respect to the actual geometry of the connection point.
Name | Description |
---|---|
FlowModel |
mC
are stored
in the same way as the species mXi
.