DYNAMIC SIMULATION OF A VACUUM DEAERATION SYSTEM

A dynamic simulation of the Lake Superior Power Cogeneration Plant condenser and vacuum deaeration system was completed for Nicholls-Radtke in order to verify the proposed process design and control logic design using H.A. Simons’ dynamic simulation software (IDEAS™). The simulation was used to verify the innovative process concept as well as providing a method of testing the control concept for the area. Differing operating conditions were simulated, including winter peak operation and typical summer operation to provide information on the effect of upsets on the fluid level in the condensate tank. Using the dynamic model, engineers were able to verify the response of the system to a sudden turbine trip and load shed. It was found that these events would lead to a temporary level depression in the condensate tank but the boiler feedwater supply would not be interrupted.