.SolarTherm.Models.Control.HeaterControl

Information

HeaterControl models a heater control system for maintaining a specific temperature at the heater's outlet. It adjusts the mass flow rate of the pump connected to the heater based on tank levels and temperature setpoints. The model includes a PI controller to regulate the heater's mass flow rate to achieve the desired outlet temperature. The model can turn on/off the PI by using a switch that sets the mass flow rate to a user-specified minimum.

The model features the following connectors:

• A RealInput connector for the measured ambient temperature (in K).
• A RealInput connector for the fluid temperature at the heater outlet (in K).
• A RealOutput connector for the mass flow rate pumped to the heater (in kg/s).
• A BooleanInput connector for the on/off signal from the heater power supply.
• A RealInput connector for the scheduled discharge mass flow rate (in kg/s).
• A RealInput connector for the mass flow rate of the pump charging the tank (in kg/s).
• A RealInput connector for the instantaneous tank level (in meters).

The model includes the following parameters:

• T_heater_set: Setpoint of temperature (in K). Default: 565 Celsius.
• m_flow_max: Maximum discharge mass flow rate (in kg/s). Default: 1400 kg/s.
• m_flow_min: Mass flow rate when control is off (in kg/s). Default: 0 kg/s.
• level_on: Level of start discharge (in meters). Default: 30 %.
• level_off: Level of stop discharge (in meters). Default: 10 %.
• level_curtailment_on: Level of start curtailment (in meters). Default: 99 %.
• level_curtailment_off: Level of stop curtailment (in meters). Default: 96 %.
• y_start: Initial value of output for the PI controller (in kg/s). Default: 300 kg/s.
• Ti: Integer constant for the PI controller. Default: 1 s.
• Kp: Proportional constant for the PI controller. Default: -10 Hz.

The model is equipped with a PI controller, logic blocks for discharge and curtailment control, and feedback mechanisms to adjust the heater's operation.

Revisions

• September 2023 by Armando Fontalvo:
  Created documentation for HeaterControl.