In this blog, we explore the basics of flow networks within the Flownex environment. It explains the process of creating a new flow network, including setting up components and boundary conditions, defining parameters and operating conditions and material properties, solving the model, and evaluating the results.
Flow Networks in Flownex
Flow networks consist of interconnected components that facilitate the movement of fluids and gases while obeying conservation laws. Flownex offers a variety of elements (listed below), such as pipes, valves and ducts, containers, heat exchangers, nodes and boundaries, and turbines, each mirroring real-world behavior. Understanding element interactions in Flownex simulations, familiarizing with the interface, and calculating key variables are crucial for creating and analyzing complex flow systems.
Setting Up A Flow Network Model
In Flownex, a new project begins by creating a model. A schematic representation of the flow network is laid out, and a drag-and-drop interface is used to place components and construct the flow system model.
The components are connected using nodes to show flow paths. Accurate configuration is essential for precise simulation. Paying attention to the alignment and direction of flow elements and connections can prevent errors during simulation. The following diagram shows the process of creating the network.
Defining Boundary Conditions and Component Properties
The next phase of modeling in Flownex is specifying the boundary conditions and the properties and parameters of individual components within the network. This step is where the simulation begins to take shape, as users input data such as dimensions, materials, and operational conditions. Flownex's extensive libraries offer predefined properties that can be assigned to components, simplifying the setup process.
For custom scenarios, users have the flexibility to define unique properties to meet specific requirements. This might include setting custom pressure loss coefficients for valves or specifying particular heat transfer characteristics for heat exchangers. Accurately defining these parameters is crucial, as they directly influence the outcome of the simulation.
Running Simulations and Analyzing Results
After the model is configured, users can proceed to run simulations. Flownex provides both steady-state and transient analysis options, allowing for the examination of systems under various operating conditions. During simulation, the software computes the flow of fluids or gases through the network, accounting for interactions between components and changes over time.
After running a simulation, Flownex provides results in different formats such as tables and graphs. Users can examine these results to understand performance measures like flow distribution, pressure profiles, and temperature gradients. It's important to interpret these results correctly to validate the model and make informed decisions for design enhancements or problem-solving. The pressure distribution within the network is depicted in the figure below.
The process of building the flow network in Flownex, solving it, and evaluating the results is shown in this video step-by-step.
You can view this video on YouTube at this link: https://youtu.be/UnZBY45rUP0
You can find the Flownex project here: Flow-Network.zip