Abb Research Ltd.

Steve Morton

Alec Stothert

Marc Antoine

Eduardo Gallestey Alvarez

Markus Ahrens

In a method and computer program product for optimal operation of a power plant and a power plant optimising system an optimisation mode () minimises a cost function (J[u],J[P]) that comprises a deviation of lifetime of plant components (LTp(&#x3c4;)) from a desired nominal lifetime trajectory (LTn(&#x3c4;)). This is done by, at a given time, determining future values of input values (u(&#x3c4;),P(&#x3c4;)) such as control values (P(&#x3c4;)) or process values (u(&#x3c4;)) to the plant and simulating, in a simulation modulate (), the behaviour of the plant up to a given future time. Corresponding lifetime values are determined in the simulation, and incorporated in an objective function. The optimisation module () minimises the cost function (J[u],J[P]) by varying the input values (u(&#x3c4;),P(&#x3c4;)). As a result, it is possible to operate the plant such that component lifetime (LTp(&#x3c4;)) follows the desired trajectory (LTn(&#x3c4;)).

Optimal operation of a power plant

In a method and computer program product for optimizing power plant control values and a power plant optimizing system an optimization module () minimizes total plant operation costs while achieving predetermined required output values for produced power and process steam. This is done by, at a given time, determining future values of control values and simulating, in a simulation module (), the behavior of the plant up to a given future time. Corresponding fuel costs and generated power are determined in the simulation, and incorporated in an objective function. The optimization module () minimizes the objective function by varying the control values. According to the invention, a rate of ageing of plant components is determined when simulating the future behavior of the plant, and the objective function to be minimized comprises said rate of ageing.

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Neuenhof, Switzerland

Steve Morton