Economic optimization of a closed loop heating system accounting steady and unsteady flow conditions

The economic expenditure of a hydraulic project can preclude its potential success in a tender competition. Precise and optimized cost calculations are crucial, and this can be viewed from two main prospective. In the first place, it hinges on the accuracy of initial projections compared to the actual implementation of the project. The evaluation is based on the maturity class defined by the AACE 18R-97 standard and the identification of the most economically impactful drivers. In the second place, the system must not only work hydraulically, but once optimized according to specific algorithm, it also must provide significant safety margins for over and under pressure during exceptional abrupt interruption. This thesis originates from a collaboration with the “Studio di Ingegneria Isola-Boasso” in Vercelli, where the team is responsible for the feasibility and finalization phase of the revamping of the wastewater treatment plant located in Cassano Spinola (AL). The project entails the construction of a for and backward pipeline for superheated water coming from a customer company, which is appropriately transformed into air. This air is then used in a bel dryer for the transformation of residual sludge with a more then 80% of total suspended solids contend, intended for agricultural fertilization. The annual capital and pumping cost are recalculated with a focus on more efficient and economically viable device for both temperature management and pressure losses during steady-state condition. Additionally, the resistance of pipes with machineries, as well as the separation of liquid-gas columns at 145°C, are verified once subjected to damped harmonic oscillations during transient conditions: here, surge protectors of water-hammer are economically assessed. Given the countless combination of pipe diameters, pump inertia and air chambers, a genetic algorithm is employed to yield a new set of parameters. This is aimed at achieving high hydraulic efficiency and safety at reduced costs. The thesis describes the optimized layout before and after the pandemic price impact of COVID-19.