Virtual Reality Applied in a Thermoelectric Power Plant Planning

HIGHLIGHTS

• Allows simulation of two types of natural gas supply by the road or the pipeline modals.

• Allows simulating all the necessary structures for the supply of plants through LNG trucks.

• Allows studies about the National Gas Pipeline Network and their accesses.

• Allows locations, establishing connections and simulations in 3-D.

Abstract

The planning of a new thermal power plant is linked to the various decision elements and evaluation criteria. Factors such as the plant's geographic positioning, primary energy supply points, paths, and means of delivery of this primary energy should be analyzed. Similar studies are imposed when studying the change of a thermoelectric plant's primary energy source occurs. In Brazil, several plants are currently investigating the exchange of their primary fuel from oil to gas due to the decrees issued by ANEEL. This paper presents software, which uses virtual reality to assist in the various stages of the planning process and in the analyses that must be performed. This software was developed for the Hidrotermica Group and had as the primary target the Borborema Thermoelectric Power Plant.

Keywords:
visualization; virtual reality; planning; gas suppliers; simulation; liquefied natural gas; electric energy production; thermoelectric power plant