Objectives   To meet the use requirements of a steam-powered system in different working conditions, it is necessary to study the design of the condensate water distribution and pipeline optimization.

  Methods  Using the Flowmaster software, a simulation model of a ship's condensate water system was created. The pressure and flow rate in the condensate water system were studied in different working conditions of the steam-powered system. Based on this, two optimal design suggestions, reducing the installation height of the water tank and adjusting the system pipeline connection, were presented.

  Results  The calculation results showed that the maximum storage capacity is 0.128 (normalization result) when the openings of the throttle valve and circulation valve are 30% and 45% respectively, in reduced working conditions. Moreover, when the throttle valve opening is less than 13%, the condensate water system will not be able to store water. The maximum storage capacity was 0.404 (normalization result) when the openings of the throttle valve and the circulation valve were 90% and 18% respectively, in increased working conditions. The distribution coordination of the system was also better. Two optimization designs can effectively improve the condensate water distribution in reduced working conditions.

  Conclusions  The research results can provide a reference for the optimal design of the actual ship's condensate water system.