Westinghouse Electric Corporation

Thomas Allen

Richard E Putman

John J Novacek

Frederick G Huff

A linear programming matrix is used to represent a complex process with many interrelated process variables. Assumptions are initially made regarding the values of the matrix elements, based on current or expected operation of the process. After the linear programming matrix is solved, the values of the coefficients are modified according to a test strategy and the linear programming matrix is again solved in an effort to obtain a better result. This process is repeated until solutions of matrix converge and the amount of modification of the matrix is minimal. One test strategy that can be used is SIMPLEX self-directing evolutionary operation. Another test strategy uses progressively more accurate linear approximations of nonlinear relationships in the linear programming matrix.

Optimization of a plurality of multiple-fuel fired boilers using

An economical despatching arrangement for despatching load and fuel assignments on a multi-boiler cogenerative type steam generating plant includes a logic arrangement of determining a present value of flow of each fuel to each boiler, a logic arrangement of determining a present value of the share of the steam load carried by each of the boilers, a logic arrangement for calculating an optimal next value for each of the load and fuel assignments, a logic arrangement for estimating a proportionate share value for one of the boilers and the fuel flow values for one of the fuels and a logic arrangement for implementing the optimal next values as a function of whether a manual or automatic mode of operation has been selected for the particular parameter.

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Springdale, PA, United States of America

Thomas Allen