Systems and methods for operating a power generating asset

Abstract

A system and method are provided for operating a power generating asset coupled to an electrical grid. Accordingly, a controller receives an environmental data set indicative of at least one environmental variable projected to affect the power generating asset over a plurality of potential modeling intervals. The controller then determines the variability of the environmental data set and a corresponding modeling-confidence level at each of the potential modeling intervals based on the variability. A modeling interval is thus selected corresponding to a desired modeling-confidence level. A computer-implemented model is employed to predict a future power profile for the power generating asset over the selected modeling interval. The future power profile is indicative of a power-delivery capacity of the power generating asset at each of a plurality of time intervals of the modeling interval. Based, at least in part, on the future power profile, the controller determines an obligated-power-production schedule for the power generating asset over the modeling interval. The obligated-power-production schedule corresponds to a power production agreement with the electrical grid. In accordance with the obligated-power-production schedule, the controller modifies at least one setpoint of the power generating asset to deliver electrical power to the electrical grid.