Real-time Utility System Optimization

Abstract

ABSTRACT At the 2002 IETC, we described the benefits of a site-wide utility system simulation model that can translate all in-plant process modifications to the resulting changes in fuel, water, and electricity at the factory fence to ensure that process Btus are accurately expressed in real dollars. Last year, we demonstrated how such a model could be upgraded to an optimizer to determine the most cost-effective way to operate specific equipment items wherever the operator is faced with choices as to which equipment items to run at any time, which fuel to use, etc. The last 12 months have seen a number of “second generation” optimizers delivered to clients in Europe, the Far East, and the Americas, operating in real time. These latest models employ sophisticated data validation and reconciliation techniques to account for incomplete or conflicting plant measurements. Web-enabled reports are generated and the results of the data reconciliation can even be fed back to the site data historian as corrected plant measurements. This approach will typically reduce day-to-day utility system operating costs by between 2 and 5 percent in addition to the long-term capital and operating cost savings already identified by using this type of model at the project planning and design stage.