Citation
Abstract
In searching for the optimum parameters that minimize the total life cyele cost of an ‘energy conversion system, one must examine various combinations of components and study the resulting system performance and associated economics. The Systems Performance and Economics Simulation computer program (SPECS) was developed to fill this need, The program simulates the fluid flow, thermal, and electrical characteristics of a system of components on a quasi-steady-state basis for a variety of energy conversion systems. A unique approach is used in which the set of characteristic equations is solved by the Newton-Raphson technique. This approach eliminates the tedious iterative loops which are found in comparable programs such as TRNSYS or SOLTES-1. Several efficient features were also incorporated such as the centralized control and energy management scheme, the analogous treatment of energy flow in electrical and mechanical components, and the modeling of components of similar fundamental characteristics using generic subroutines. Initial tests indicate that this model can be used effectively with a relatively small number of time steps and low computer cost.
Details
- Volume
- 42-72
- Published
- February 15, 1983
- Pages
- 161–176
- File Size
- 1.2 MB