PSS SINCAL 16.0: Gas Calculations in Pipe Networks
PSS SINCAL 16.0: Gas Calculations in Pipe Networks
PSS SINCAL 16.0: Gas Calculations in Pipe Networks
0
Gas
Gas Calculations in Pipe Networks
Published by
Siemens AG
Smart Infrastructure
Digital Grid
Freyeslebenstraße 1
91058 Erlangen, Germany
SIEMENS PSS SINCAL Gas
Preface
Preface
The PSS SINCAL manuals can be divided into the following parts:
The PSS SINCAL System Manual contains a general description for using the application.
The technical manuals for Electrical Networks contain detailed descriptions of the various
calculation methods for electrical networks - such as load flow, or short circuit calculations - and
their input data.
The technical manuals for Pipe Networks contain detailed descriptions of the various calculation
methods for pipe networks - water, gas and heating/cooling - and their input data.
The Database Description contains a complete description of the data models for electrical and
pipe networks.
The Automation manual contains the documentation of the automation functions for PSS SINCAL.
Copyright
This manual and all the information and illustrations contained in it are copyrighted.
SIEMENS retains all rights, in particular the right to publish, translate, reprint, photocopy, make
microcopies or electronically store in a database.
Previously expressed written permission from SIEMENS is required for any reproduction or use
beyond the limits specified by copyright law.
Warranty
Even though our manuals are thoroughly checked for errors, no liability can be taken for errors
found or any resulting problems or difficulties. Modifications are frequently made to the text and the
software as a part of our routine updates.
1. Introduction to Gas 9
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Table of Contents
2.5.8 Description 46
2.5.9 Pressure Buffer Characteristics 46
2.5.10 Pressure Drop Characteristics 48
2.5.11 Temperature Consumption Characteristics 50
2.5.12 Variant 54
2.6 Geo-Stationary Data 54
2.6.1 General Geo-Stationary Data for Network Elements 55
2.6.2 Operating Point 55
2.6.3 Operating Points/Time Series 56
2.6.4 Growth Series 57
2.7 Contingency Analysis 57
2.7.1 Malfunction Scenario 58
5. Convergence Debug 77
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Table of Contents
6. Examples 79
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Table of Contents
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Introduction to Gas
1. Introduction to Gas
PSS SINCAL Gas is an effective tool for planning large supply networks.
This simulation program can determine steady-state flow relationships quickly and conveniently in
any number of meshed gas networks. PSS SINCAL can simulate different technical and
operational variations.
When segments or segment data are defined, PSS SINCAL automatically creates longitudinal
diagrams.
Calculations can be made with only one kind of substance (one set of material values). It is not
possible to calculate supply lines with different substances simultaneously. PSS SINCAL Gas can
only calculate ideal gases approximately. It cannot calculate vapors near the condensation points.
Steady-state calculations are always active and you can enter steady-state gas calculation data
without any special settings at any time.
Steady-State Calculations
For geo-stationary time series calculations, the Geo-stationary Calculation Method first has to be
switched ON.
For geo-stationary operating series calculations, the Geo-stationary Calculation Method first has
to be switched ON.
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Introduction to Gas
Node element
Branch element
PC
Node or
busbar
A network makes sense physically when the nodes and branches have been assigned elements.
The most important elements of a network are the supply nodes, the consumers and the supply
lines. Depending on whether they are assigned to nodes or branches, the elements are called node
elements or branch elements. A network can be described in its entirety by network elements.
These elements are nodes, node elements or branch elements.
The respective network element goes into operation at the time specified and remains in operation
after this time.
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Introduction to Gas
The respective network element shuts down at the time specified and was in operation the entire
time before this time.
Within the specified period, the respective network element is in operation and outside the
specified period, it is not in operation.
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Gas Input Data
Before trying to solve such problems, however, a network must be created for the calculations with
the following data for the calculations:
● General data
● Nodes
● Supply sources and consumers
● Branch elements
● Node
● Terminal
● Network Level
● Network Area
● Network Zone
● Network Element Group
● Graphic Element Group
Insert – Node/Busbar – Node or Busbar in the menu is used to define the element as either a
node or a busbar.
For an overview of the fields for nodes, see the Database Description.
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Gas Input Data
Network Area assigns a Network Area to the node that can be used for extended evaluations.
Network Zone assigns a zone to the node so you can perform enhanced evaluations.
Marked specifies nodes for the diagram output or for saving results.
The Pressure Reservation field is used only for dynamic calculation procedures. It contains the
pressure start value at the node for calculation procedure.
The following fields are used for documentation purposes. This enables the geographical position
of the node to be defined.
The Elevation above sea level is important for the pressure relationships in the network.
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Gas Input Data
The geographical data stored with the node is also used by different functions of the PSS SINCAL
user interface for the correct integration of the node according to geographical location. They are
thus for example used for reference positioning on background maps or for Google Earth Export.
Establishment Time and Shutdown Time specify the times when you create the node or shut it
down.
Any name for a node can be entered in the Connection Name field. PSS SINCAL uses this name
to uniquely assign the node in include networks.
Comment
This input field is used to enter additional information for the node.
Extended Data
This section enables additional data for nodes to be defined, edited, copied and deleted.
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Gas Input Data
The following dialog box opens after clicking the New or Edit button.
The Attribute field is used to specify the name of the attribute for the node.
Depending on the selected Type (number or text), the Numeric Value or Text Value fields can be
filled. A Unit can be entered for a numerical attribute to show the technical dimension of the
particular numerical data.
The comment and the extended data can be displayed along with element input data in the
element annotation of the network diagram. PSS SINCAL calculation methods do not consider this
supplementary information.
For an overview of the fields for extended node data, see the Database Description.
2.1.2 Terminal
When PSS SINCAL creates a network element, it automatically creates the connection data for the
element. These include topological connection from the network elements to the nodes.
For an overview of the fields for terminals, see the Database Description.
Node and Connection Number set the connection of the network element to the node. Node
elements have one connection, and branch elements have two connections.
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Gas Input Data
In PSS SINCAL, all network elements must be assigned to a subnetwork. The subnetwork is built
with the network level, which defines global data for the assigned network elements.
Insert – Network Level in the menu lets you administer network levels. PSS SINCAL displays a
data screen form with a browser. For a general description of this feature, see the chapter on
Special Screen Form with Browser.
For an overview of the fields for network levels, see the Database Description.
A Name can have any name that precisely identifies it. Names need not be unique. Network areas
can even be assigned Short Name.
The Rated Pressure is the pressure for the network elements of this network area.
The Air Temperature is used to calculate the air pressure depending on the node elevation and
the consumption of the consumers at the setting in the Temperature Consumption Characteristics.
Max. Flow Velocity determines the maximum flow speed permitted in the network level. If this
value is exceeded, PSS SINCAL automatically makes a note of this in the results and generates
caution messages.
The Min. Operating Pressure and Max. Operating Pressure set the permissible limits of the
pressures in the network level. If these values are exceeded, PSS SINCAL automatically makes a
note of this in the results and generates caution messages.
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Gas Input Data
The network level defines default data for individual network elements in geo-stationary
calculations.
The Time Series column defines a time curve for individual network elements in geo-stationary
calculations.
Operating Points prescribes a series of operating points for individual network elements in geo-
stationary calculations.
Increase Series determines growth data for individual network elements. This function is not yet
available.
The network area is used to structure the network, i.e. functions in the user interface let you use
the network area to color or select network elements area, etc. Network areas can also be
organized hierarchically to describe references and dependencies.
Insert – Network Area in the menu lets you administer network areas. PSS SINCAL displays a
data screen form with a browser. For a general description of this feature, see the chapter on
Special Screen Form with Browser.
For an overview of the fields for network areas, see the Database Description.
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Gas Input Data
A Name can have any name that precisely identifies it. Names need not be unique. Network areas
can even be assigned Short Name.
The Parent Area field defines the hierarchy of the network areas.
Malfunction turns the elements in the network area ON and OFF or checks them for the
contingency analysis.
● None:
No elements malfunction.
● All elements:
All elements malfunction.
● All lines:
All lines malfunction.
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Base Speed Limit sets the limit where network elements start to malfunction.
The Caused Malfunction field regulates the number of caused malfunctions in the network areas.
● None:
No caused malfunctions are generated.
● Marked areas:
Caused malfunctions for network areas are only generated, if Marked for Caused Malfunction
is selected.
● Own area:
Caused malfunctions are only generated in the current network area.
How many elements for caused malfunctions PSS SINCAL actually considers can also be set with
the Caused Elements field.
● Restricted elements:
All elements with a flow rate over the set limit generate a caused malfunction.
● Restricted lines:
All lines with a flow rate over the set limit generate a caused malfunction.
Caused Speed Limit sets the limit for the maximum permissible flow rate. All elements that are
outside this limit after the basic malfunction generate a caused malfunction.
In the Reporting field parameters can be set for the scope of the results of the contingency
analysis. You can define which network elements outside the limits will be documented.
PSS SINCAL has the following options:
● None
● Elements
● Nodes
● Elements and nodes
● Lines
● Lines and nodes
The network zone structures the network, i.e. the user interface has functions that color or select
network elements with the help of network zones.
Insert – Network Zone in the menu lets you administer network zones. PSS SINCAL displays a
data screen form with a browser. For a general description of this feature, see the chapter on
Special Screen Form with Browser.
For an overview of the fields for network zones, see the Database Description.
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Gas Input Data
A Name can have any name that precisely identifies it. Names need not be unique. Network areas
can even have abbreviated names (Short Name).
Click PSS SINCAL calculation methods can also process network element groups, for example, to
generate profile curves.
Click Insert – Network Element Group in the menu to open the network browser for editing
network element groups. For a general description of the network element group functions, see the
chapter on Network Browser, section Network Element Group in the System Manual.
For an overview of the fields for network element groups, see the Database Description.
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Gas Input Data
The Type of Group field defines the group type (Common group). The following groups are
available:
● Common group:
Common group groups network elements. PSS SINCAL does not consider these groups in
calculations.
● Profile curve:
A profile curve is group of elements representing a route in the network. PSS SINCAL creates
profile curve diagrams for these groups.
● Malfunction group:
Malfunction group is a group of elements that are treated as a separate malfunction in
contingency analysis.
● Function group:
A function group contains network elements that can operate as a group and therefore also
malfunction at the same time.
● Operating group:
An operating group must have a node and a network element. PSS SINCAL creates an
operating condition diagram for each group.
The graphic element group, like the Network Element Group, groups network elements.
However, unlike the network element group, this group is for graphics. A polygon stored in the
database is used for this purpose.
Click Insert – Graphic Element Group in the menu to open the network browser for processing
graphic element groups. For a general description of the graphic element group functions, see the
chapter on Network Browser, section Graphic Element Group in the System Manual.
● Infeeder Gas
Using this element pressure supplies and flow supplies can be created in the gas network.
Insert – Node Elements – Infeeder Gas in the menu is used to create infeeders for gas.
For an overview of the fields for gas infeeders, see the Database Description.
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Gas Input Data
PSS SINCAL distinguishes in the field Infeeder Type between pressure supply and flow supply.
Pressure Supply
With this kind of supply, the surplus pressure at the supply source remains constant and is
independent of the load distribution within the network.
Pressure supply compensates for any difference between the sum of the feeds into and the sum of
the discharges from the network. For this reason, there must be at least one pressure supply
source in the network for the calculations.
The Max. Return Flow in standard cubic meters is required only for dynamic calculations.
The Const. Excess Pressure at the source remains constant and is independent of the load
distribution within the network.
Limit Type switches ON the input of the flow limits entered in the fields for Minimum Supply and
Maximum Supply. For more precise information, see the chapter on Monitoring the Limits.
Flow Supply
With this kind of supply, the input flow at the supply source remains constant and is independent of
the load distribution within the network.
The selected Flow Supply Type field lets you specify data in different ways:
● Standard:
Fill the field for Constant Supply – Standard
● Operating conditions:
Fill the field for Constant Supply – Operating conditions
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Gas Input Data
● Power:
Fill the field for Constant Supply – Power
Please note that flow supply always produces input flow that is independent of pressure.
Example:
100 mN3/h
100 mN3/h
Limit Type switches ON the input of the flow limits entered in the fields for Minimum Supply and
Maximum Supply. For more precise information, see the chapter on Monitoring the Limits.
The Factor Max. Return Flow, Factor Const. Excess Pressure, Factor Const. Supply and
Factor Const. Supply – Power multiply these input values.
Connecting Networks
When multiple networks are calculated simultaneously, PSS SINCAL calculates separately any
infeeder gas marked as Equivalent Supply.
For additional information, see the chapter on Include Network in the System Manual.
Element data for infeeder gas are described in the Element Data for Network Elements section.
Additional data for infeeder gas are described in the Additional Data for Network Elements section.
General Geo-Stationary Data for Network Elements describes the geo-stationary data for infeeder
gas.
● Consumer
● Pressure Buffer
● Leakage
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Gas Input Data
2.3.1 Consumer
Consumers create flow equivalent to their consumption in the outlet pipes. This flow is independent
of the consumer's gas pressure.
For an overview of the fields for consumers, see the Database Description.
The selected Consumption Type field lets you specify data in different ways:
● Standard:
Fill the field for Const. Consumption – Standard
● Operating conditions:
Fill the field for Const. Consumption – Operating conditions
● Power:
Fill the field for Const. Consumption – Power
The amount of consumption or consumption power for a consumer is independent of the pressure
at the outlet node.
Please note that a consumer always produces flow in his inlet pipes that is independent of
pressure.
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Gas Input Data
Example:
5 mN3/h
5 mN3/h
The fields for Pressure Dependent Consumption Decrease and Min. Relative Pressure
dynamically adjust consumption to the network’s operating condition. This means that if pressure
drops below the minimum relative pressure, consumption is reduced by the factor (p/Pmin)². At a
minimum relative pressure less than or equal to 0.0 there is no consumption.
Factor Constant Consumption multiplies these input values. This data is manipulated according
to the consumption determined by the assigned Temperature Consumption Characteristics.
The Design Temperature is the temperature for which the consumption volume is determined. An
assigned Temperature Consumption Characteristics setting enables the consumption volume of
the consumer to be defined as a function of temperature.
Connecting Networks
When multiple networks are calculated simultaneously, PSS SINCAL calculates separately any
consumers marked as Equivalent Consumer.
For additional information, see the chapter on Include Network in the System Manual.
Element data for consumers are described in the Element Data for Network Elements section.
Additional data for consumers are described in the Additional Data for Network Elements section.
General Geo-Stationary Data for Network Elements describes the geo-stationary data for
consumers.
Insert – Node Elements – Pressure Buffer in the menu is used to create pressure buffers.
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Gas Input Data
For an overview of the fields for pressure buffers, see the Database Description.
In the dynamic calculations, the starting pressure at the pressure buffer is taken from the steady-
state calculations.
Then the amount of gas in the buffer is calculated from this pressure value with help of the
pressure curve for the buffer.
Flow in or out of the pressure buffer can now be determined in the dynamic calculations from the
pressures at the pressure buffer, depending on whether the pressure is increasing or decreasing.
The Max. Pressure is the pressure starting at which PSS SINCAL stimulates an overload condition
in the network calculations. If the maximum pressure is larger than the maximum pressure for the
characteristic curve, PSS SINCAL uses the maximum pressure.
Element data for pressure buffers are described in the Element Data for Network Elements section.
Additional data for pressure buffers are described in the Additional Data for Network Elements
section.
General Geo-Stationary Data for Network Elements describes the geo-stationary data for pressure
buffers.
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Gas Input Data
2.3.3 Leakage
For an overview of the fields for leakages, see the Database Description.
The Output Surface shows the opening size. The opening form has no effect on the calculation.
The Flow Number is a multiplier for the output for leakage calculated without resistance. This
number is between 0 and 1.
The Max. Step for Flow controls the behavior of the simulation. The value in this field represents
the maximum change in flow between two calculation iterations. Changing this value influences the
convergence behavior of the simulation.
Element data for leakages are described in the Element Data for Network Elements section.
Additional data for leakages are described in the Additional Data for Network Elements section.
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Gas Input Data
General Geo-Stationary Data for Network Elements describes the geo-stationary data for leakage.
● Line
● Sliding Valve/Non-Return Valve
● Const. Pressure Decrease/Const. Flow
● Pressure Regulator
● Compressor
2.4.1 Line
The line data let the user simulate all kinds of pipes or pipe segments. The pressure drop at this
branch element is determined based on flow that can change depending on the load.
For an overview of the fields for lines, see the Database Description.
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Gas Input Data
Use Standard Type to take data for the line from a Standard Type Database.
In irregularly shaped cross sections (i.e. cross sections that are not perfectly round), the equivalent
diameter is used as the inside pipe Diameter
4𝐴
𝑑=√
𝜋
𝑑𝜋
𝑈
The Sand Roughness influences pressure decrease and is needed to determine the pipe-friction
coefficient lambda.
The Length Allowance Factor takes into consideration the curvature of supply lines.
The Leakage Rate is the gas loss in liters per second per meter of pipe.
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Gas Input Data
The Annual Roughness Increase shows any change in smoothness of the inner pipe surface
over a single year.
The Annual Diameter Reduction shows the reduction in the pipe cross section due to incrustation
over a single year.
PSS SINCAL needs the line resistance to calculate pressure decrease in supply lines.
1
𝑐 =𝜌×𝜆×𝑙× × 𝐾1 × 𝐾3
𝑑5
As can be seen by the above formula, PSS SINCAL needs the pipe-friction coefficient lambda to
calculate line resistance.
1 𝑅 2.51 1
= −2 × 𝑙𝑜𝑔 ( + × ) 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑅𝑒 > 4000
√𝜆 3.71 × 𝑑 𝑅𝑒 √𝜆
𝜆 = 0.03
for
𝑅𝑒 = 0
and
64
𝜆=
𝑅𝑒
for
0 < 𝑅𝑒 ≤ 2320
PSS SINCAL makes a linear interpolation between 2320 and 4000 to eliminate any inconsistency.
… Pipe-friction coefficient
Re … Reynolds number
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Gas Input Data
1
𝑅𝑒 = 𝐾2 × |𝑄𝑚 | ×
𝑑×𝜈
Re … Reynolds number
4
K2 … × 106
𝜋
Qm … Amount of flow [l/s]
d … Inside pipe diameter [mm]
ν … Kinematic viscosity [mm2/s]
1
𝑑𝐵 = 𝑑𝑉 × (1 − ∆𝑑 × × (𝑡𝐵 − 𝑡𝑉 ))
100
1
𝑅𝐵 = 𝑅𝑉 × (1 + ∆𝑅 × × (𝑡𝐵 − 𝑡𝑉 ))
100
Element data for lines are described in the Element Data for Network Elements section.
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Gas Input Data
Additional data for lines are described in the Additional Data for Network Elements section.
For an overview of the fields for sliding or non-return valves, see the Database Description.
In the Valve Type field, PSS SINCAL distinguishes between sliding valves and non-return valves.
Sliding Valve
Non-Return Valve
The non-return valve blocks the flow in a particular direction. Flow can move only from the node at
the beginning to the node at the end of the non-return valve.
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Gas Input Data
Element data for sliding or non-return valves are described in the Element Data for Network
Elements section.
Additional data for sliding or non-return valves are described in the Additional Data for Network
Elements section.
General Geo-Stationary Data for Network Elements describes the geo-stationary data for sliding or
non-return valves.
This network element defines a line with constant pressure decrease or constant flow.
Insert – Branch Elements – Const. Pressure/Const. Flow in the menu is used to create constant
pressure decreases or constant flows.
For an overview of the fields for constant pressure decrease or constant flow, see the Database
Description.
PSS SINCAL distinguishes in the field Line Type between line with constant pressure decrease
and line with constant pressure flow.
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Gas Input Data
The Pressure Drop is the constant pressure decrease of the branch element. It is independent of
flow and pressure at the inlet node.
Constant Flow
The Flow is the constant flow of the branch element. It is independent of pressure at the inlet and
outlet node.
The Factor Pressure Drop and Factor Flow multiply these input values.
Element data for constant pressure decrease or constant flow are described in the Element Data
for Network Elements section.
Additional data for constant pressure decrease or constant flow are described in the Additional
Data for Network Elements section.
General Geo-Stationary Data for Network Elements describes the geo-stationary data for constant
pressure decrease or constant flow.
Pressure regulators connect the various pressure areas and assure constant pressure even if the
initial pressure varies.
Insert – Branch Elements – Pressure Regulator in the menu is used to create pressure
regulators.
For an overview of the fields for pressure regulators, see the Database Description.
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Gas Input Data
The Controlled Node can be any node in the network for which the pressure is defined.
● Pressure increase:
The pressure regulator only increases pressure.
● Pressure drop:
The pressure regulator only decreases pressure.
● Pressure increase and drop:
The pressure regulator can either increase or decrease the pressure.
The approximate Pressure at Inlet Node is the estimated pressure at the starting node.
The Pressure at Outlet Node is the constant regulated pressure at the controlled node.
The Max. Pressure Deviation indicates the maximum permissible variation of the current pressure
from the prescribed pressure.
The Max. Return Flow in standard cubic meters is required only for dynamic calculations.
Element data for pressure regulators are described in the Element Data for Network Elements
section.
Additional data for pressure regulators are described in the Additional Data for Network Elements
section.
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Gas Input Data
General Geo-Stationary Data for Network Elements describes the geo-stationary data for pressure
regulators.
2.4.5 Compressor
The line with compressor can be used to simulate increases in pressure anywhere in the supply
area.
Note: the compressor is actually a source of increased pressure in the line and not a real
compressor.
For an overview of the fields for compressors, see the Database Description.
Any node in the network with a pressure rating can be used as Controlled Node for the simulation.
The Pressure at Inlet Node is the approximate pressure at the starting node.
The Pressure at Outlet Node is the constant regulated pressure at the controlled node.
The Max. Pressure Deviation indicates the maximum permissible variation of the current pressure
from the prescribed pressure.
Constant loss or gain in pressure must be calculated for each iteration. This loss or gain is
automatically calculated using the data from the last iteration. Sometimes Pressure at Outlet
Node does not correspond exactly to the required pressure. The Max. Pressure Deviation is the
permissible deviation.
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If the calculations show a pressure drop at an element, calculations continue as if there were 0
pressure gain.
Element data for compressors are described in the Element Data for Network Elements section.
Additional data for compressors are described in the Additional Data for Network Elements section.
General Geo-Stationary Data for Network Elements describes the geo-stationary data for
compressors.
● Calculation Settings
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Gas Input Data
For an overview of the fields for calculation settings, see the Database Description.
The View Date specifies the time for the calculations. If the view date is outside a network
element’s establishment and shutdown times, this network element does not participate in the
calculations. If there is no view date, all network elements participate in the calculations
independent of their establishment and shutdown times.
The Max. Number of Iterations 1 determines the number of permissible iterations needed to solve
the calculation problem. The Max. Number of Iterations 2 determines the number of permissible
iterations needed to solve the meshes.
During the network calculations, PSS SINCAL constantly checks to see if the Mesh Accuracy
(indicating the amount of accuracy required for pressure in the nodes) is met. The Node Accuracy
for the flow is checked once mesh accuracy has been met.
The Max. Step for Flow controls the behavior of the simulation. The value in this field is the
maximum change in flow between two calculation iterations. Changing this value influences the
convergence behavior of the simulation.
At the end of the calculations the operating points for the individual network elements are
compared with the entries. If the operating point calculated is outside this range, PSS SINCAL
displays a warning or error message depending on what was selected in the Check Operating
Conditions field.
Connect Nodes defines in which networks the nodes’ connection names are used in the
calculations.
● Include networks:
The nodes’ connection names are only considered in include networks.
● All:
The nodes’ connection names are considered both in include networks and in their own
network.
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Gas Input Data
The Dynamic Viscosity is the viscosity of the medium being moved under normal conditions.
The Energy Content converts consumption data in MW to mN3/h. This value corresponds to the
calorific value (previously upper heating value Ho), unless conversion factors are incorporated.
The Air Pressure is used to make allowance for environmental pressure. It is primarily used to
calculate low-pressure networks. The air pressure is indicated at a reference altitude.
A Reference Height of Network can be entered. PSS SINCAL then considers the height of each
node in the network relative to this standard height.
The Sutherland Constant and the Gas Temperature calculate the dynamic viscosity. The Gas
Temperature is also used to calculate the density.
The Adiabatic Exponent is equal to the ratio of specific heat at constant pressure to specific heat
at constant volume.
The Constant and Linear Factors calculate the gas compressibility factor. This is done according
to the following formula:
𝐾 = 𝑓𝑘 + 𝑝 × 𝑓𝑙 × 10−3 /𝑏𝑎𝑟
K … Compressibility factor
fk … Constant factor
p … Pressure
fl … Linear factor
Natural gas has a constant factor of 1.0022 and a linear factor of – 2.16.
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Gas Input Data
The Store Results field can be used to restrict the results in the database.
PSS SINCAL provides diagrams for the different calculation methods. Diagram Creation specifies
how many individual diagrams PSS SINCAL creates for Time Series Calculations.
● None:
PSS SINCAL does not create any individual diagrams for nodes and elements.
● Completely:
PSS SINCAL creates all the individual diagrams for nodes and elements.
● Marked:
PSS SINCAL creates individual diagrams for marked nodes and elements.
Starting Time, Duration and Time Step determine the time horizon of the time series calculations.
Each network element consists of its basic data, element data, additional data and the appropriate
network element data.
Network Area assigns a Network Area to the network element. The network area can be used for
extended evaluations.
Network Zone assigns a zone to the network element so you can perform enhanced evaluations.
Marked specifies nodes for the diagram output or for saving results.
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Establishment Date and Shutdown Date specify the times when you create the node or shut it
down.
Click the Element State button to open a dialog box in which the operating state of the network
element can be defined by date. In other words, the network element can be put into or out of
service between the establishment date and the shutdown date as often as required.
Extended element data stores supplementary information on network elements. These can be
displayed along with element input data in the element annotation of the network diagram.
PSS SINCAL calculation methods do not consider this supplementary information.
Comment
This input field is used to enter additional information for the network element.
Extended Data
This section enables additional data for nodes to be defined, edited, copied and deleted.
The following dialog box opens after clicking the New or Edit button.
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The Attribute field is used to specify the name of the attribute for the network element.
Depending on the selected Type (number or text), the Numeric Value or Text Value fields can be
filled. A Unit can be entered for a numerical attribute to show the technical dimension of the
particular numerical data.
For an overview of the fields for extended element data, see the Database Description.
2.5.4 Scenario
A scenario is used to define various operating points and operating states of the network without
saving the changes in the database. For this the modifications of network element and node
attributes are defined in network status files (special XML files which describe the network
changes). This enables a network to be examined and considered in various ways.
For a detailed description of scenarios, see the chapter on Scenarios in the System Manual.
Insert – Scenario in the menu is used to define scenarios. PSS SINCAL displays a data screen
form with a browser. For a general description of this feature, see the chapter on Special Screen
Form with Browser.
For an overview of the fields for scenarios, see the Database Description.
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A Name can have any name that precisely identifies the scenario. The Comments field is used for
defining additional comments.
The Consider for all Calculations using Scenarios option causes subvariants with calculation
results to be generated for multiple calculations with scenarios for the marked scenarios. It also
controls whether this scenario is taken into account in the scenario calculation. This means that a
steady-state result is provided for the changes defined in the scenario.
Scenario Data
This tab shows a list of all the scenario files assigned to the scenario. The possibility of using
several scenario files enables the structured storing of changes and modifications in files and also
their multiple use. The assigned scenario files are processed in the order shown in the dialog. This
means that the file SCE-2 in the illustration shown will overwrite the changes of SCE-1.
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The list enables scenario data to be created by clicking the Add button and later modified by
clicking Edit. This opens the following dialog box.
The name of the scenario file can be changed in the Name field.
The Active button is used to define whether the scenario file is to be used.
The Options apply to all elements in the scenario file. The Operating State, the Establishment
Date and the Shutdown Date can be activated and defined here.
For a precise description, see the chapter on Include Network in the PSS SINCAL System Manual.
This data is defined via Additional Data – Element State in the pop-up menu of a network
element. PSS SINCAL displays a data screen form with a browser. For a general description of this
feature, see the chapter on Special Screen Form with Browser.
For an overview of the fields for element states, see the Database Description.
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This data enables the operating state of a network element to be defined by date. In other words,
the network element can be put into or out of service between the establishment date and the
shutdown date as often as required.
The Name field is used to store any designation/identifier for the change in operating state.
The State field defines whether the network element is in or out of service.
The Date field defines when the change in operating state takes place.
These data let you to assign a special key to a network element or supplementary data for
identification. These keys are used to couple data with external systems.
Use Additional Data – Master Resource in the element’s pop-up menu to enter these data.
For an overview of the fields for master resources, see the Database Description.
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Press New to define a new master resource for the network element. This generates a new GUID
(Global Unique ID) and adds it to the list. The category determines the range of validity of the
respective GUID. PSS SINCAL automatically fills this in certain procedures (CIM Import, CIM
Export).
A clear display of all network elements and the assigned master resources is available in the
network browser. For a general description, see the chapter on Network Browser, section Master
Resource in the System Manual.
2.5.8 Description
This element lets you enter as many description texts you want to describe the network. You can
then display these in diagrams as well as the network graphics with the help of format codes.
Insert – Annotations – Description in the menu is used to edit descriptions. PSS SINCAL
displays a data screen form with a browser. For a general description of this feature, see the
chapter on Special Screen Form with Browser.
For an overview of the fields for descriptions, see the Database Description.
Pressure buffer characteristics describe the behavior of a pressure buffer by the characteristics of
fill volume and pressure.
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Gas Input Data
Insert – Characteristics – Pressure Buffer in the menu is used to edit pressure buffer
characteristics.
A record with the basic data and assigned pressure buffer characteristics values defines the
pressure buffer characteristics. For a description of how pressure buffer characteristics values are
entered, see the chapter on Screen Form for Characteristics Input.
For an overview of the fields for pressure buffer characteristics and pressure buffer characteristic-
curve values, see the Database Description.
The field Characteristic Interpolation controls the internal reproduction of characteristics from the
characteristic values. PSS SINCAL distinguishes between linear interpolation (requires more points
to describe the characteristic curve) and polynomial interpolation.
Factor Fill Volume multiplies all fill volume values of pressure buffer characteristics.
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Gas Input Data
To define the type of buffer, enter at least four points for the characteristic values. The shape of the
buffer determines the progression of the characteristic curve.
p [bar]
pStat
p1
V [m3]
V1 VStat
The pressure pStat from the steady-state simulations is the initial (outlet) value of the dynamic
simulations.
The fill volume V1 is calculated using the characteristic curve for the buffer as follows:
𝑉1 = 𝑉𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑡 − ∆𝑡 × 𝑄
A new pressure p1 is calculated from the characteristic curve for the next iteration.
Pressure buffer characteristics are clearly described from value pairs of V (fill volume) and p
(pressure).
The pressure drop characteristics describe a pressure regulator’s inner pressure drop with a
characteristic curve for flow and pressure drop.
Insert – Characteristics – Pressure Drop in the menu is used to edit pressure drop
characteristics.
A record with the basic data and assigned pressure drop characteristics values defines the
pressure drop characteristics. For a description of how pressure drop characteristics values are
entered, see the chapter on Screen Form for Characteristics Input.
For an overview of the fields for pressure drop characteristics and pressure drop characteristic-
curve values, see the Database Description.
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Gas Input Data
Factor Flow multiplies all the flow values for the pressure drop characteristics.
Factor Pressure Drop multiplies all pressure drops for the pressure drop characteristics.
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You need at least two points of the characteristic curve when you enter characteristics for the
characteristic curve of a concrete pressure regulator. The pressure regulator’s inner structure
determines the course of the characteristic curve. This can be obtained from the manufacturer.
∆p [mbar]
1000
100
10
Q [m3/h]
1
1 10 100 1000
The initial value for calculating inner pressure drop is the flow Q calculated in the steady-state
simulation.
The pressure drop characteristic curve creates an inner pressure drop ∆p. The pressure at a
pressure regulator’s outlet node cannot be more than the pressure at the inlet node less the inner
pressure drop. Depending on the pressure at the inlet node, pressure can collapse. In this case,
the pressure at the outlet node can no longer be maintained.
Pressure drop characteristics are clearly described from value pairs of Q (flow) and ∆p (pressure
drop).
A record with basic data and assigned temperature consumption characteristics values defines the
temperature consumption characteristics. For a description of how to enter temperature
consumption characteristics values, see the chapter on Screen Form for Characteristics Input.
For an overview of the fields for temperature consumption characteristics and temperature
consumption characteristics values, see the Database Description.
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Gas Input Data
The Kind of Temperature field is used to enter the temperature for the temperature consumption
characteristics as follows:
● Absolute Temperature
● Difference to Design Temperature
The Kind of Data field is used to define the consumption for the temperature consumption
characteristic values as follows:
● Absolute Consumption
● Relative Consumption
● Factor Consumption
The characteristics are entered by defining at least two points on the characteristic curve. The
temperature consumption characteristics curve is produced from the consumption behavior.
In the characteristic curve, the decrease can be defined in standard condition, operating condition
and as power. But only the value is used, which corresponds to the consumption type of the
consumer, where the characteristic curve is assigned to.
The following examples show the same consumption behavior for different power and temperature
settings at a design temperature of -20 degrees.
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Gas Input Data
Qvabs
100
Tabs
0
-30 -20 -10 0 10
The absolute consumption from the interpolation in the characteristics curve is used as the
consumption value in the calculation. The air temperature is used for the interpolation in the
characteristics.
Qvrel
Tabs
0
-30 -20 -10 0 10
-100
The relative consumption from the interpolation in the characteristics curve plus the consumption
stated at the consumer are used as the consumption value in the calculation. The air temperature
is used for the interpolation in the characteristics.
fQv
1.0
Tabs
0
-30 -20 -10 0 10
The consumption stated at the consumer multiplied by the factor from the interpolation in the
characteristics curve is used as the consumption value in the calculation. The air temperature is
used for the interpolation in the characteristics.
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Gas Input Data
Qvabs
100
Trel
0
-10 0 10 20 30
The absolute consumption from the interpolation in the characteristics curve is used as the
consumption value in the calculation. The air temperature minus the design temperature is used for
the interpolation in the characteristics.
Qvrel
Trel
0
-10 0 10 20 30
-100
The relative consumption from the interpolation in the characteristics curve plus the consumption
stated at the consumer are used as the consumption value in the calculation. The air temperature
minus the design temperature is used for the interpolation in the characteristics.
fQv
1.0
Trel
0
-10 0 10 20 30
The consumption stated at the consumer multiplied by the factor from the interpolation in the
characteristics curve is used as the consumption value in the calculation. The air temperature
minus the design temperature is used for the interpolation in the characteristics.
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Gas Input Data
2.5.12 Variant
Variants save different development variants and planning stages in a network hierarchically.
PSS SINCAL only stores the differences to the preceding variant in each variant.
File – Variants – Variants opens the dialog box for selecting and administrating variants.
For an overview of the fields for variants, see the Database Description.
You can enter any name for the variant you want in the Variant Name field. PSS SINCAL will
display this in the variant dialog box and in the status line.
You can save any revision number you want in the Revision Number field.
The fields for Author and Modified By let you document who created the variant or last modified it.
For more precise information, times can also be entered in the Created and Modified fields.
Input data for geo-stationary calculations develop independent of the network. They are in their
own layer above the input data for steady-state calculations. The input data only defined
modifications of operational incidents.
These data define both time series and different operating points (operational incidents).
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Gas Input Data
● Growth Series
These input data prescribes additional information for geo-stationary calculations. If there are no
entries for geo-stationary calculations, PSS SINCAL uses the data from the network level.
The Time Series field defines a time series for individual network elements in geo-stationary
calculations.
Operating Points prescribes a series of operating points for individual network elements in geo-
stationary calculations.
Increase Series determines growth data for individual network elements. This function is not yet
available.
Insert – Extended Data – Operating Point in the menu is used to edit operating points.
PSS SINCAL displays a data screen form with a browser. For a general description of this feature,
see the chapter on Special Screen Form with Browser.
For an overview of the fields for operating points, see the Database Description.
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Gas Input Data
The State field switches operating points ON or OFF for operating series calculations.
Both the operating points for different operating states as well as time series can be designed
flexibly with these data.
Insert – Extended Data – Operating Points/Time Series in the menu is used to edit these data.
A record with the basic or additional data and assigned data values defines the data. For a
description of how these values are entered, see the chapter on Screen Form for Characteristics
Input.
For an overview of the fields for operating points/time series and operating point/time series values,
see the database description.
The Type field distinguishes between time series and operating points.
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Gas Input Data
The fields for Op. Point and f (factor) define the sequence for operating series calculations.
The fields for t (time), Curve and f (factor) define the series over a specific period for time series
calculations.
● Malfunction Scenario
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Gas Input Data
Malfunction Scenario defines groups of network elements that can either malfunction together or
can be reconnected. PSS SINCAL considers these data in the contingency analysis, enabling it to
model more complex scenarios of malfunctions and connections.
Click Insert – Extended Data – Malfunction Scenario in the menu to open the network browser
for processing malfunction scenarios. For a general description of the malfunction scenario
functions, see the chapter on Network Browser, section Malfunction Scenario in the System
Manual.
For an overview of the fields for malfunction scenarios, see the Database Description.
The Type selection field is used to specify which type of scenario is present. The following
scenarios are defined, which have completely different functions.
● Malfunction:
This type defines precisely those elements as malfunctions that are defined in a scenario, and
the predefined resupply measures are also executed precisely. In other words, a special
malfunction is predefined precisely.
● Resupply:
This type defines a resupply measure. For this those elements are defined that are shut down
and reconnected. This is the resupply measure. The malfunctions for which this measure is to
be executed are also defined.
Scenario State can be used to switch the scenario for the contingency analysis ON or OFF. When
switched OFF, it is not considered by the calculation methods.
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Steady-State Gas Procedure
PSS SINCAL steady-state calculations determine the pressure and flow distribution in the network
from the entries for the operating points of individual network elements. Then PSS SINCAL uses
the flow rate of the material in the lines to calculate the run time and mixture of the material for all
nodes.
PSS SINCAL also determines global information for the entire network such as:
● Pipe lengths
● Pipe volumes
● Sum of supply sources and consumption
● Minimum and maximum values
● Losses from leaks
Apply Hardy-Cross
Display results
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Steady-State Gas Procedure
2 n-1
k
1 n
∑ 𝑄𝑖𝑘 = 0
𝑖=1
This shows that a distribution node cannot be a network supply source. The amount of flow into a
network must be equal to the amount of flow out of the network.
4 i
pi,i+1
p34
i+1
3
p23
2 n-1
p12 pn-1,n
1n
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Steady-State Gas Procedure
𝑛−1
∑ ∆𝑝𝑖,𝑗+1 = 0
𝑖=1
𝑑𝑝 𝜆 𝑣 × |𝑣|
+ ×𝜌× + 𝜌 × 𝑔 × sin 𝛼 = 0
𝑑𝑥 𝑑 2
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Using these values, , d, and Q (the mass flow along the pipe) are considered constant,
independent of the moving material. The characteristics of the material are found in and .
𝑝 𝑃0
=
𝜌 × 𝑇 𝜌0 × 𝑇0
𝑣𝜌 = 𝑣0 × 𝜌0
4
𝑣0 = × 𝑄0
𝑑𝜋2
𝑑𝑝 𝑏
+𝑎×𝜌+ =0
𝑑𝑥 𝑝
with
𝑔 × 𝑇0 × 𝜌0 × sin 𝛼
𝑎=
𝑃0 × 𝑇
8 × 𝑝0 × 𝑇 × 𝜆 × 𝜌0
𝑏= 𝑄|𝑄|
𝜋 2 × 𝑇0 × 𝑑 5
𝑝2 = 𝑝𝑎2 − 2𝑏𝑥
𝑏 𝑏
𝑝2 = (𝑝𝑎2 + ) × 𝑒 −2𝑎𝑥 −
𝑎 𝑎
If we substitute x = l and p = pe in the above equation, we get the following after several
transformations:
For ha = he
2𝑏 × 𝑙
𝑝𝑎 − 𝑝𝑒 =
𝑝𝑎 + 𝑝𝑒
For ha he
𝑏 𝑝𝑎2
𝑝𝑎 − 𝑝𝑒 = × (1 − 𝑒 −2𝑎𝑙 ) + × (1 − 𝑒 −2𝑎𝑙 )
(𝑝𝑎 + 𝑝𝑒 ) × 𝑎 𝑝𝑎 + 𝑝𝑒
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The pipe friction factor is needed to calculate pressure drop. This factor depends on the
Reynolds factor Re, used to evaluate the flow shape, and the roughness of the pipe wall k s. The
Reynolds factor is calculated using the formula
4 × |𝑄|
𝑅𝑒 =
𝑑×𝜋×𝜂
For laminar flow (Re 2320), the pipe friction factor is then calculated using the formula
64
𝜆=
𝑅𝑒
For turbulent flow (Re > 4000), the pipe friction factor is determined by iteration using the equation
from Prandtl-Colebrock:
1 𝑅 2.51 1
= −2 × 𝑙𝑜𝑔 ( + × )
√𝜆 3.71 × 𝑑 𝑅𝑒 √𝜆
𝑐𝑠
𝑇 1 + 𝑇0
𝜂 = 𝜂0 √ ×
𝑇0 1 + 𝑐𝑠
𝑇
4𝐴
𝑑=
0
This value must also be considered when calculating the Reynolds factor, so that the formula
4|𝑄|
𝑅𝑒 =
𝑈×𝜂
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Q12
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Steady-State Gas Procedure
Each edge is assigned a resistance factor. Edges are processed in ascending order according to
resistance factor.
A direction must be assigned to each edge in the network in order to apply Kirchhoff's laws and
the iteration process. This is done by defining an edge (a, b) in terms of its starting node a and
end node b. Edge (a, b) is therefore different from edge (b, a). Flow is defined as positive if and
only if it travels from the starting node to the end node.
Consider a network with n nodes and m branches. The branches of the network with node i as a
starting node or end node can be divided into two sets.
1) +i is the set where all the branches have i as the end node
2) -i is the set where all the branches have i as the starting node
With qj as the flow in an edge j, the first Kirchhoff law can be simplified as follows:
∑ 𝑞𝑖 − ∑ 𝑞𝑗 = 0
𝑗∈𝜔𝑖+ 𝑗∈𝜔𝑖−
All the edges are added up. Since one of the n equations can be derived from the other n – 1
equations, only n – 1 equations need to be considered.
PSS SINCAL determines the direction (e.g. towards the outside co-tree edge) for each mesh of
edges. The edges in a mesh formed by edge k of the co-tree can be divided into two sets:
1) μ+k is the set of all the edges in the direction of the mesh
If pj is the pressure decrease in edge j, the following equation can be derived using the second
Kirchhoff law
∑ ∆𝑝𝑗 − ∑ ∆𝑝𝑗 = 0
+ −
𝑗∈𝜇𝑘
𝑗∈𝜇𝑘
Since the co-tree consists of m – n + 1 edges, there are m – n + 1 equations for the meshes.
Together with the equations for the nodes n – 1, there are as many equations as there are edges.
Two unknown factors, flow and pressure decrease per edge, are to be computed. So another m
equations are required in order to compute these factors. These can be found using the functional
dependency between flow, resistance and pressure decrease.
In gas-pipe systems, the square law can be applied. This is simplified for pressure decrease pj in
supply line j:
∆𝑝𝑗 = 𝑟𝑗 × 𝑞𝑗 |𝑞𝑗 | − 𝑝𝑗
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This section explains how flow in the edges of the spanning tree can be explained in terms of
overlapping flow in the edges of the co-tree.
If we individually add each edge in the co-tree to the spanning tree, the flow in the co-tree edges
will circulate through the whole mesh. Otherwise, the node condition would not have been fulfilled.
By joining the spanning tree and the co-tree, we get the original network. The flow in the edges of
the spanning tree has, however, been created by the overlapping flow in the edges of the co-tree.
The left sides of mesh equations are functions of the flow in all the edges. Hence we assume that
the amounts of flow in the co-tree edge are numbered from l to 1 = m – n + 1. If we use the
overlapping flow for all the flows in the spanning tree, we get functions U k. These only depend on
the l flow in the edges of the co-tree:
𝑈1 (𝑞1 , 𝑞2 , … 𝑞𝑙 )
𝑈2 (𝑞1 , 𝑞2 , … 𝑞𝑙 )
to
𝑈𝑙 (𝑞1 , 𝑞2 , … 𝑞𝑙 )
In a network, we therefore look for flows in the edges of the co-tree that satisfy the following
equations:
𝑈1 (𝑞1 , 𝑞2 , … 𝑞𝑙 ) = 0
𝑈2 (𝑞1 , 𝑞2 , … 𝑞𝑙 ) = 0
to
𝑈𝑙 (𝑞1 , 𝑞2 , … 𝑞𝑙 ) = 0
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Steady-State Gas Procedure
Is convergence No
attained?
Yes
Prepare results
If you wish to find a zero position for a real valued function f (x)
𝑓(𝑥) = 0
you can often succeed with the help of Newtonian iteration procedures
𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥𝑖+1 = 𝑥𝑖 −
𝑓′(𝑥)
𝑈𝑘 (𝑞1 , 𝑞2 , … 𝑞𝑙 ) = 0
𝑘 = 1, 2, … 𝑙
and consider all the flows except for qk as fixed. Then we use the Newtonian iteration procedure to
solve each equation and get the following for the n'th iteration step
𝑘 = 1, 2, … 𝑙
Generally speaking, network resistances and sources are not constant. They are functions of the
flows and pressures.
Each resistor and each source can also be assigned a characteristic curve that usually depends on
several parameters. Any point in a characteristic curve can be designated as an operating point.
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If you filter the calculation requirements for the Cross procedure, you see that a large number of
functions and their first partial derivatives could be calculated for each iteration step and each
mesh. Network calculations for larger networks would not be possible due to the amount of time
needed for this kind of procedure. In many cases, you cannot create the partial derivatives of the
functions.
Instead, you need to use the following procedure. Starting with approximate values, you calculate
operating points for all the network elements. These fixed values for resistances and sources are
then used to calculate the network with the Cross procedure to a prescribed degree of accuracy.
The new flows and pressures are used to calculate new operating points and once again kept
during the iteration. This process is repeated until the change in the operating points is small
enough.
This method substantially shortens the calculation time needed for networks with variable
resistances or sources. Sometimes operating points for resistances move so much that a minimal
spanning tree can no longer be recognized as such. In this case, PSS SINCAL creates a new
spanning tree with the minimum characteristic. This is a common procedure in networks that are in
poor condition.
As soon as a sufficiently accurate solution has been found for the mesh equations for fixed
operating points, the flows in the edges of the co-tree and all its edges are available. For each
edge, the pressure decrease can be calculated from flow, resistance and pressure sources. You
use a spanning tree with a root to calculate the pressures at the nodes.
For pressure-providing supplies (pressure supply), the network situation produces the quantity. A
supply that provides pressure cannot take on quantity. Quantity can only be monitored and, if
necessary, divided up for quantity supplies.
For quantity supplies (flow supply), the quantity is prescribed and the network situation produces
the pressure. Quantity supplies can load or unload pressure-providing supplies by varying the
quantity within prescribed limits.
As soon as limits are entered for pressure-providing supplies and quantity supplies in a network,
monitoring and distributing quantity is automatically switched ON.
The behavior of the power distribution is explained below with the help of a simple network.
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Steady-State Gas Procedure
In the diagram below, the network situation fits to the operating points entered for the supply
sources, so no quantity is distributed.
Q = 500 m3/h
P = 50 mbar
Qmax = 1000 m3/h Q
Qmin = 0 m3/h
Qmax = 1000 m3/h
P Qmin = 0 m3/h
Q = 700 m3/h
If the network situation does not match the operating points, distribution is switched ON. In the
example below, the pressure-providing supply cannot provide the amount needed. The amount at
the quantity supply is increased and the quantity for the results is in green.
Q = 500 m3/h
P = 50 mbar
Qmax = 1000 m3/h Q
Qmin = 0 m3/h
Qmax = 1000 m3/h
P Qmin = 0 m3/h
Q = 1200 m3/h
Q = 1000 m3/h
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In the example below, the pressure-providing supply cannot take on the excess supplied amount.
The amount at the quantity supply is reduced and the quantity for the results is shown in green.
Q = 500 m3/h
P = 50 mbar
Qmax = 1000 m3/h Q
Qmin = 0 m3/h
Qmax = 1000 m3/h
P Qmin = 0 m3/h
Q = -250 m3/h
Q = 0 m3/h
If the quantity supply is unable to compensate the quantity violation at the pressure-providing
supply, it remains at the minimum or maximum quantity.
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Geo-Stationary Gas Procedure
● Time series
● Operating points
During the individual steady-state calculations, PSS SINCAL uses factor from the series to change
the steady-state operating points of the network elements.
Geo-stationary calculations let you simultaneously calculate and then compare different steady-
state operational incidents.
Defining time independent (operating points) and time-dependent (time series) series lets you:
PSS SINCAL differentiates between time series calculations and operating series calculations.
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The following illustration show the sequence diagram for time series calculations.
Do steady-state calculations
Yes
Prepare results
The following illustration show the sequence diagram for operating series calculations.
Do steady-state calculations
Increase index
Yes
Prepare results
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Geo-Stationary Gas Procedure
If a piece of equipment is assigned to a series, PSS SINCAL assigns the factor it calculates to the
individual network elements for steady-state calculations.
Depending on the type of equipment, these factors affect the following input fields:
● Infeeder gas:
Pressure supply – constant surplus pressure
Flow supply – constant flow volume/constant power
● Consumer:
Constant consumption volume/constant consumption power
● Pressure buffer:
Not yet in use
● Leakage:
Output surface
● Const. pressure drop/const. flow:
Pressure drop/flow volume
● Pressure regulator:
Pressure at the exit node
● Compressor:
Pressure at the exit node
● Sliding valve/non-return valve:
Valve setting
Sliding valves that are open at the start of the calculations cannot be closed. For factors larger than
or equal to 0.5, PSS SINCAL considers the sliding valve to be open. For factors less than 0.5,
PSS SINCAL considers the sliding valve to be closed.
PSS SINCAL calculates the factor from the operating point under observation. If the operating point
is part of the series, the factor can be taken directly from the series data.
Example
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Geo-Stationary Gas Procedure
Factor
1
C
B
A
Operating points
If the operating point cannot be found in the series data, PSS SINCAL sets this to 1.0.
PSS SINCAL interpolates over the time axis to calculate the factor at the time of observation.
Factor
For 7:30 am, PSS SINCAL calculates a factor of 1.7 by interpolating in the continuous curve.
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Geo-Stationary Gas Procedure
Factor
For 7:30 am, PSS SINCAL calculates a factor of 1.5 by interpolating in the discrete curve.
The starting time and the time period of geo-stationary calculations do not need to be the same as
the times entered in the time series. Time series are repeated in cycles to be able to show all
calculations times accurately.
Example
A simple example: PSS SINCAL simulates an 8-hour cycle within a single day. The cycle starts
with the start of the shift at 6 a.m. and ends with the end of the shift at 2 p.m.
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Geo-Stationary Gas Procedure
Factor
6:00 14:00 t
The following illustration shows the individual interval in the daily routine.
Factor
t
6:00 14:00 22:00 24:00 6:00
Next day
As can be seen from the illustration above, PSS SINCAL can accurately determine factors for
every starting time and every calculation time.
The cycle is not limited to a single day. The individual interval is repeated cyclically towards
previous and subsequent time points. PSS SINCAL calculates the number of iterations from the
starting time, calculation time and the time points of the individual interval.
Factor
t t t t t t
tACycle tECycle
tStart
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Convergence Debug
5. Convergence Debug
The following dialog box opens during the steady-state calculation if there are any convergence
problems. This requires the Show interactive calculation dialog for convergence problems
option to be activated in the Options dialog box of the Calculation tab.
● 1 further iteration:
One more iteration is calculated and the output is updated.
● 50 further iterations:
50 more iterations are calculated and the output is updated.
● Consider as convergent:
The debug continues as if the load flow is convergent and the current state is saved in the
results.
The selected action is carried out by clicking the Continue button, pressing F6 or clicking the Start
the last calculation button.
Clicking the Cancel or Pause button in the left-hand area of the status bar closes the dialog box
and the calculation is terminated with the usual faults.
The Iteration section outputs general information about the iteration in which the problems
occurred and the number of elements and nodes that cause the convergence problems.
Clicking the Show Details button opens the Result View containing more detailed information.
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Convergence Debug
The view used to display the debug details has a toolbar and the view area.
View Area
The header line shows the iteration in which the convergence problems occur. This is followed by
general information about the iteration in which the problems occur and the number of elements
and nodes that cause the convergence problems.
The table shows the nodes that cause the convergence problems, with their names and the
pressure deviation from the previous iteration stated as a percentage. The lines are sorted
according to the largest deviation. Clicking one of the node names selects the particular node in the
graphic.
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Examples
6. Examples
Basic Data
PSS SINCAL automatically creates this network ("Example Gas") during installation. It can be used
to check the simulation procedure.
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Examples
To open the calculation settings screen form, click Calculate – Settings in the menu.
Before you start the steady-state calculations, enter the view date, the parameters for the
calculations and the physical data of the gas.
For a detailed description how networks are created, see the chapter on Using an Example to Work
on a Network in the System Manual.
All other elements connected to these pressure-producing elements participate in the steady-state
calculations.
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Examples
Establishment and shutdown dates can be entered in the Element Data tabs of the data screen
forms for individual network elements.
Establishment Date and Shutdown Date specify the times when you create the network element
or shut it down.
For additional suggestions as to observations over time, see the Calculation Settings and the
chapter on Network Observation over Time.
Edit – Select – Select Route in the menu is the easiest way to select routes for profile curve
diagrams in the network diagram.
Switch this function ON, then select the route in the diagram with the cursor. First select the
element at the beginning of the route and then the one for the end of the selection area.
PSS SINCAL now searches for the shortest connection between both the defined elements and
highlights this route.
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Examples
Then select Profile curve as the type of group to assign the route to a network element group.
Click Insert – Network Element Group in the menu and then click New in the network browser.
Enter the name and select Profile curve as the type of group in the data screen form. Then press
OK to create the new group.
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Examples
When you have finished, the steady-state calculations automatically generate the profile curve
diagram.
PSS SINCAL provides the most important results of the steady-state calculations in the network
diagram.
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Examples
Click Calculate – Results – Global Results in the menu to display the global results.
PSS SINCAL provides the sum of the supply sources and consumption, leakage losses, the
pressure area, the network size and the accuracy of the calculations as global results.
Use the node’s pop-up menu to display the individual node results.
This data output form shows the medium mixture ratio and the medium running time.
In addition to the results provided in the network diagram, PSS SINCAL can also generate them as
a diagram. Click View – Diagram View in the menu to display the results.
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Examples
The diagram type Profile curve has the output diagrams for profile curves.
Basic Data
PSS SINCAL automatically creates this network ("Example Gas") during installation. It can be used
to check the simulation procedure.
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Examples
To open the calculation settings screen form, click Calculate – Settings in the menu.
Before you start the steady-state malfunction calculations, enter the view date, the parameters for
the calculations and the physical data of the gas.
To perform steady-state malfunction calculations, first select one or more malfunctioning network
elements. Then click Calculation at Element – Malfunction in the pop-up menu and start the
steady-state malfunction calculations.
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Examples
If PSS SINCAL was able to finish the steady-state malfunction calculations error-free, the program
automatically loads and displays the results in the same way as in the steady-state calculations.
Basic Data
PSS SINCAL automatically creates this network ("Example Gas") during installation. It can be used
to check the simulation procedure.
To calculate geo-stationary time series, Geo-stationary in the Calculate – Methods menu has to
be activated.
To open the calculation settings screen form, click Calculate – Settings in the menu.
The steady-state time series calculations have the same calculation parameters as the steady-
state calculations.
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Examples
The Starting Time, Duration and Time Step also need to be entered in the Geo-stationary tab.
Individual geo-stationary calculations over time are observed entirely independently of one another.
Insert – Extended Data – Operating Points/Time Series in the menu opens the dialog box where
the time series can be defined.
This dialog box is used to create, edit and delete time series. For more information on how to use
this dialog box, see the chapter on Operating Points/Time Series.
You can either assign the time series directly to the individual network elements or use their
network level to do this.
The Geo-stationary tab in the data screen form assigns the time series to a network element.
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The time series that you assign is a factor for the network element’s basic data. To learn more
about which of the individual network element’s basic data are affected by the time series, see the
Calculation Methods.
The Geo-stationary tab in the Network Level data screen form assigns the time series to a
network level.
Time series assigned with the help of the network level are only inherited by network elements
without any direct time series assignment.
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Examples
If you want to see how the most important node and network element data change over time as a
diagram, this must be done directly in the node’s basic data or the network element’s element data.
Calculate – Time Series in the menu starts the geo-stationary time series calculations.
When the calculations are finished, you can see the results for the time series calculations both in
the network diagram and as diagrams.
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Use the dialog box for Show Input Data and Results to display the results for the individual time
steps in the network diagram. Click View – Input Data and Results in the menu.
In addition to the results provided in the network diagram, PSS SINCAL can also generate them as
a diagram. Click View – Diagram View in the menu to display the results.
The diagrams are available under the Time Series in the diagram browser. A differentiation is
made between freely definable result diagrams and automatically generated diagrams for input
data.
In the course of the time series calculations, different kinds of result values (data series) for nodes,
network elements and the network are prepared. These can be grouped individually on a diagram
page. Select Results in the browser and select Customize Diagram Page in the pop-up menu.
For a detailed description, see the chapter on Customize Results Diagram Pages in the System
Manual.
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Examples
Basic Data
PSS SINCAL automatically creates this network ("Example Gas") during installation. It can be used
to check the simulation procedure.
To open the calculation settings screen form, click Calculate – Settings in the menu.
The steady-state operating series calculations have the same calculation parameters as the
steady-state calculations.
Individual geo-stationary calculations over time are observed entirely independently of one another.
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Examples
Insert – Extended Data – Operating Point in the menu opens the dialog box where the operating
points can be added.
This dialog box is used to create, edit and delete operating points.
Insert – Extended Data – Operating Points/Time Series in the menu opens the dialog box where
the operating points can be defined.
This dialog box is used to create, edit and delete operating points. For more information on how to
use this dialog box, see the chapter on Operating Points/Time Series.
You can either assign the operating points directly to the individual network elements or use their
network level to do this.
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Examples
The Geo-stationary tab in the data screen form assigns the operating points to a network element.
The operating points that you assign is a factor for the network element’s basic data. To learn more
about which of the individual network element’s basic data are affected by the operating points, see
the Calculation Methods.
The Geo-stationary tab in the Network Level data screen form assigns the operating points to the
network level.
Operating points assigned with the help of the network level are only inherited by network elements
without any direct operating points assignment.
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Examples
Operating groups must have exactly one node and one network element. Under these
prerequisites PSS SINCAL can create a diagram with the operating condition.
The easiest way to select nodes and network elements is with the cursor.
Then select Operating group as the type of group to assign the selected node and the infeeder to
a network element group. Click Insert – Network Element Group in the menu and then click New
in the network browser.
Enter the name and select Operating group as the type of group in the data screen form. Then
press OK to create the new group.
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Examples
Calculate – Operating Series in the menu starts the geo-stationary operating series calculations.
When the calculations are finished, you can see the results for the operating series calculations
both in the network diagram and as diagrams.
Use the dialog box for Show Input Data and Results to display the results for the individual
operating points in the network diagram. Click View – Input Data and Results in the menu.
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Examples
In addition to the results provided in the network diagram, PSS SINCAL can also generate them as
a diagram. Click View – Diagram View in the menu to display the results.
The diagram type Operating Behavior has the output diagrams with the operating behavior.
The diagram type Operating Series has the output diagrams for the operating series calculation.
PSS SINCAL displays the names of the individual operating points in the diagrams.
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