Priority regulation of heat supply systems taking into account hydraulic balancing

Abstract

Modern centralized heat supply systems in Ukraine find themselves in a situation where energy deficits are no longer a theoretical threat but have become a permanent limiting factor. An integrated methodology for regulating urban heat supply systems is proposed, combining hydraulic balancing and algorithms for the priority distribution of thermal energy. Practical testing was carried out using the example of the central heating station (CHS-27) in the city of Chornomorsk. The proposed algorithm reduces the risk of critical consumers being cut off, optimizes the operation of boiler rooms and heating stations, and creates a transparent heat distribution mechanism. Piezometric graphs were constructed, total resistance was calculated, and topology coefficients were determined, which made it possible to identify the most vulnerable consumers in terms of hydraulics. Further thermal calculations took into account consumer classes (A–E), deficit scenarios (0…30%), and a load moderator that guarantees the protection of small objects from being displaced by large ones. This approach creates a so-called “double balance”: the hydraulic block ensures the technical supply of heat carrier, while the thermal block creates a fair and transparent distribution of resources in accordance with the social significance of the facilities. The expected effect is to reduce the risk of critical infrastructure shutdowns, increase the efficiency of boiler rooms and heat distribution points, and reduce social tensions in conditions of gas deficits. The model is based on the assumption of constant pipeline parameters and a stable consumer base, so adjustments to the calculations are needed in the event of sudden changes in load or network modernization. Further work may include forecasting daily or seasonal demand and developing methods for automatically adjusting balancing valves based on system data, forecast models, and regulators.