Dynamic modeling of the thermal performance of district heating pipelines

The main objective of this paper is to develop a proven model which allows the study of the non-stationary effects in district heating systems, which are associated with time lag, between heat generation and the final consumption of the heat. A finite element model was developed which incorporates one-dimensional fluid elements together with thermal elements sets. This enables a description of the fluid flow and the heat transfer considering the actual condition of the pipeline's layout. The validation of the finite element model has been carried Out With previous documented results (i.e., the node and the element methods) as well as with transient temperature measurements.