Application of On-Line Optimization Technology to Plant Operation

Abstract

Traditionally optimization has been thought of as a technology to set power plant controllable parameters (i.e. gas turbine power levels, duct burner fuel flows, auxiliary boiler fuel flows or bypass/letdown flows) so as to maximize plant operations. However, there are additional applications of optimizer technology that may be even more beneficial than simply finding the best control settings for current operation. Most smaller, simpler power plants (such as a single gas turbine in combined cycle operation) perceive little need for on-line optimization, but in fact could benefit significantly from the application of optimizer technology. An optimizer must contain a mathematical model of the power plant performance and of the economic revenue and cost streams associated with the plant. This model can be exercised in the “what-if” mode to supply valuable on-line information to the plant operators. The following quantities can be calculated: Target Heat Rate Correction of Current Plant Operation to Guarantee Conditions Current Power Generation Capacity (Availability) Average Cost of a Megawatt Produced Cost of Last Megawatt Cost of Process Steam Produced Cost of Last Pound of Process Steam Heat Rate Increment Due to Load Change Prediction of Future Power Generation Capability (24 Hour Prediction) Prediction of Future Fuel Consumption (24 Hour Prediction) Impact of Equipment Operational Constraints Impact of Maintenance Actions Plant Budget Analysis Comparison of Various Operational Strategies Over Time Evaluation of Plant Upgrades The paper describes examples of optimizer applications other than the on-line computation of control setting that have provided benefit to plant operators. Actual plant data will be used to illustrate the examples.