Modelling of Balcova geothermal district heating system, Turkey

Abstract

In this study, the geothermal district heating system of Balçova has been simulated to determine the optimum working conditions of the system. The geothermal pipeline system and the city distribution system were modelled in the Pipelab district heating simulation program. To model the system as close as possible to the actual case, the database of Balçova geothermal company was used as an input, and the code of the Pipelab program was adapted to the system conditions. Moreover, to determine the optimum operation strategy of the 8 well pumps according to the changing heat demand, dynamic programming algorithm was created for selecting the best operation strategy. A time series analysis technique was used to model the time dependent behaviour of the heat demands of the system. Finally, the results were compared with the actual situation of the system, and potential improvements on the system are discussed.