Session: 02-01 Development and Application of Verification, Validation, Uncertainty Quantification Standards

Paper Number: 139403

139403 - The Efforts of Asme Vvuq 60 in the Development of the Guideline of Verification Validation and Uncertainty Quantification of the Modeling of Energy Systems 

This presentation introduce the current progress and concerns of the subcommittee in developing the Energy Systems VVUQ60 Guideline and the Simulation Software Selection Questionnaire.

The under developed guidelines and questionnaires are aimed to provides best engineering best practices and procedures for verification and validation and uncertainty quantification in for computational modeling and simulations as applied in to non-nuclear energy systems. The purpose of the documents are to serve as guide that identifies sources of applicable guidance developed by ASME Codes and Standards, as well as, present a framework that outlines requirements and considerations specifically developed to support the needs of the energy industry.  The guidance is not intended to purport to be either mandatory or all-encompassing but rather an overview of key points of consideration to enhance the VVUQ process as deemed necessary and sufficient for the context of use.

There are several defining characteristics common to computational modeling and simulation applications associated with energy systems that are well outside the purview off the special requirements of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.  Although not directly or indirectly involving radioactive materials, energy systems frequently involve hazardous applications such as those stemming from the use of highly volatile and environmentally regulated substances, and the production, transmission, distribution and storage of electric power. The inherent risk to human safety and environment posed by such applications underscore the need to outline a standardized, well defined yet sufficiently flexible process to augment transparency along the solution development process and the reliability of the end-products of computational modeling and simulation.

The unique and defining features of computational modeling and simulation of energy applications provide the impetus for the guideline documents. These include a broad array of industry specific component and systems that introduce varying degrees of inherent risk into the end-product based on their individual contexts of use and varying levels of maturation of technologies. These models range from the simple to complex, hybrid models requiring multiphysics considerations, integration of results produced by multiple entities, reliance on proprietary inputs and closely guarded trade secrets, and governing regulatory requirements. End products could be used for planning, engineering design and construction, and operation and maintenance, safety and risk management of the exploration, production, processing/refining, storage, transmission, distribution, and usage of fossil fuels, conventional power, and renewable energies

The development of such computational model and simulations can be performed by a single analyst using a commercial software package or require a multi-tiered, global team to optimize the development process, adding the need to manage interfaces between groups with varying roles and levels of responsibility.  As the end-product represents a roll up of the foundational data, assumptions, uncertainties, and quality of analyses used to develop individual elements, rendering the safety, reliability and availability offered by end-product could be limited by its weakest link. This document provides a guide to help introduce a standardized framework to enhance communication and transparency to help select suitable methods and manage the development of products suitable for their context of use.

Given the broad audience of developers, users and purchasers and recognizing the sophistication of Operators, EPC companies, Service Company, manufactures the guideline provides a high level introduction and recommendation of VVUQ practices.

It is designed assist in assuring that the scope of the computational product is clearly defined, appropriate means and methods are selected early in the process, the analytical rigor used to develop indidual elements are consistent and commensurate with the context of use so that the inherent risks associated with the end-product are evident.

Examples are presented to demonstrate the uniqueness and challenges of the VVUQ of energy system modeling that are considered in the subcommittee’s guideline development.

Presenting Author: David (Weidong) Cheng Fluor Corporation

Presenting Author Biography: David Cheng has more than 25 years of experience in oil and gas production, gathering, and pipeline transport engineering projects. David is currently a Fluor Fellow. Serve as Director and global SME in Flow Assurance and Pipeline Engineering. He earned a PhD and MS in mechanical engineering from University of Notre Dame, USA, an MS and BE in Hydraulic engineering from Tsinghua University, Beijing, China. David is a Registered Professional Engineer in state of Texas. David serves as Vice Chair of ASME V&V60 (Energy Systems) Code and Standard Committee and member of the SPE Education and Accreditation Committee. David published more than 30 peer reviewed journal and conference papers on pipeline system optimization and flow assurance.