Power station with flexible and stable skid-mounted blocks

Abstract

A method of operating a power plant is provided. The method includes generating total plant power with one or more power generation devices. The method further includes supplying a backup power output with a backup power source. The method also includes providing a first portion of the total plant power to one or more auxiliary devices to meet auxiliary requirements. The method also includes providing at least one of the second portion of the total plant power and the backup power output to a flexible stabilising skid to meet flexible stabilising requirements. The method also includes providing a third portion of the total plant power to a power grid external to the plant to meet grid requirements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a power plant having one or more power generation devices and a flexible robust skid configured to selectively generate flexible robust demands. Background Art

[0002] In an electric power system, there are many participants or power plants that generate electricity, which is then distributed to residential and commercial users through common transmission lines. It should be understood that thermal power generation units (such as gas turbines, steam turbines, and combined cycle power plants and distributed generation) are relied upon to generate a large portion of the electricity required by users and industries. Each of the power plants within such a system includes one or more power generation units, and each of these units typically includes a control system that controls the operation and, in the case of a power plant with more than one generating unit, controls the performance of the entire power plant.

[0003] Given the complexity of modern power plants, especially those with multiple generating units, and the competitive markets in which they operate, power plant operators are constantly striving to maximize economic returns. For example, intraday variations in external factors (such as weather conditions or grid demand changes), starting / stopping thermal generators (e.g., gas turbines) in response to these external factors, and operating thermal generators outside of their maximum efficiency range will result in inefficient operations, thereby reducing economic returns. To compensate for this type of variability, power plant operators tend to be extremely conservative when planning future operations, which results in underutilization of generating units. At other times, plant operators are forced to operate units inefficiently to meet excess commitments.

[0004] Accordingly, improved methods and systems for controlling power plant operations are needed and would be appreciated in the art. Summary of the invention

[0005] Aspects and advantages of power plants and operating methods according to the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the technology.

[0006] According to one embodiment, a method for operating a power station is provided. The method includes generating total power station power using one or more power generation devices. The method also includes supplying a backup power output using a backup power source. The method also includes providing a first portion of the total power station power to one or more auxiliary devices to meet auxiliary needs. The auxiliary demand is generated by the operation of the one or more auxiliary devices. The one or more auxiliary devices are connected to the one or more power generation devices in a thermal manner, a fluid manner, or a mechanical manner. The method also includes providing a second portion of the total power station power and at least one of the backup power outputs to a flexible and stable skid to meet flexible and stable needs. The flexible and stable demand is generated by the operation of the flexible and stable skid. The method also includes providing a third portion of the total power station power to a power grid outside the power station to meet grid demand.

[0007] According to another embodiment, a power station is provided. The power station includes one or more power generation devices electrically connected to a power grid. The power station also includes one or more auxiliary devices, which are mechanically, thermally or fluidically connected to the one or more power generation devices. The one or more auxiliary devices are configured to generate auxiliary demand. The power station also includes a flexible and stable skid block disposed within the power station. The flexible and stable skid block includes a containerized demand receiving point and a backup power supply electrically connected to the containerized demand receiving point and the one or more power generation devices. The flexible and stable skid block is configured to generate flexible and stable demand. The power station also includes a controller operably connected to the gas turbine and the flexible and stable skid block. The controller includes a memory and one or more processors. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the power station to perform one or more operations. The operation includes generating total power station power using the one or more power generation devices. The operation also includes supplying a backup power output using the backup power supply. The operation also includes providing a first portion of the total power station power to one or more auxiliary devices to meet the auxiliary demand. The auxiliary demand is generated by the operation of the one or more auxiliary devices. The one or more auxiliary devices are coupled to the one or more power generation devices one of thermally, fluidically, or mechanically. The operation also includes providing at least one of a second portion of the total plant power and the backup power output to the flexible and stable skid to meet the flexible and stable demand. The flexible and stable demand is generated by operation of the flexible and stable skid. The operation also includes providing a third portion of the total plant power to a power grid external to the power station to meet a grid demand.

[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the power plant and method of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims.The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] This specification sets forth a complete and enabling disclosure of the power plant and method of the present invention, including the best mode of making and using the system and method of the present invention, which will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0010] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing an electrical power system according to aspects of the present disclosure or within which embodiments of the present disclosure may be used;

[0011] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a power plant according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 3 A method of operating a power plant having a flexible and stable skid according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0013] Figure 4 A method of operating a power plant having a flexible and stable skid according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0014] Figure 5 A method of operating a power plant having a flexible and stable skid according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0015] Figure 6 A block diagram of a controller according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of power plants and methods of the present invention, one or more examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the present invention, rather than limitation of the present invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations may be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or essence of the present invention as claimed. For example, a feature shown or described as part of one embodiment may be used in another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to cover these modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0017] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. In addition, unless otherwise specifically stated, all embodiments described herein should be considered exemplary.

[0018] The detailed description uses numbers and letter names to refer to the features in the drawings. Similar or similar names in the drawings and description have been used to refer to similar or similar parts of the present invention. As used herein, the terms "first", "second", and "third" may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another, and are not intended to indicate the position or importance of the various components.

[0019] The term "fluid" may be a gas or a liquid. The term "fluid communication" means that a fluid is able to connect between designated areas.

[0020] As used herein, the terms "upstream" (or "upward") and "downstream" (or "downward") refer to relative directions relative to the flow of a fluid in a fluid pathway. For example, "upstream" refers to the direction from which the fluid is flowing, and "downstream" refers to the direction toward which the fluid is flowing. However, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" as used herein may also refer to current flow. The term "radially" refers to a relative direction that is substantially perpendicular to an axial centerline of a particular component, the term "axially" refers to a relative direction that is substantially parallel and / or coaxially aligned with an axial centerline of a particular component, and the term "circumferentially" refers to a relative direction extending around the axial centerline of a particular component.

[0021] Terms with approximate meanings (such as "about", "approximately", "substantially" and "substantially") are not limited to the precise values ​​specified. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the accuracy of an instrument used to measure a value, or the accuracy of a method or machine used to construct or manufacture a component and / or system. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the accuracy of an instrument used to measure a value, or the accuracy of a method or machine used to construct or manufacture a component and / or system. For example, approximate language may refer to a tolerance of 1%, 2%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15% or 20% in an individual value, a range of values, and / or an end value of a range of defined values. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms are included within ten degrees greater than or less than the angle or direction. For example, "substantially vertical" includes directions within ten degrees of vertical in any direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise).

[0022] Unless otherwise stated herein, the terms "coupled," "fixed," "attached to," and the like refer to direct coupling, fixing, or attachment, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attachment through one or more intermediate components or feature structures. As used herein, the terms "include," "comprise," "include," "have," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, article, or device that includes a list of features is not necessarily limited to those features, but may include other features that are not explicitly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or device. In addition, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive or and a non-exclusive or. For example, condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist); A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists); and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0023] As used herein, "demand" or "power demand" when used with reference to a device refers to the rate at which electrical energy is consumed when operating the device at a given moment or over a particular period of time.

[0024] Here and throughout the specification and claims, unless context or language indicates otherwise, range limitations are combined and interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other.

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an electric power system 10 is shown, which illustrates an exemplary electric power system environment in which embodiments of the present disclosure may operate. The electric power system 10 may include one or more power plants 12 having one or more power generation devices for generating electricity. Such a power plant 12 may include a thermal power generation device 11, such as a gas turbine and / or a steam turbine; and / or a renewable power generation device 13, such as a wind turbine or a solar panel. Within the electric power system 10, a common transmission line 14 connects the power generation devices 11, 13 to one or more loads or users 16, which may include, for example, municipalities, residential users, and industrial users. The transmission line 14 represents a distribution network or power grid of the electric power system 10, and may include multiple sections or substations as appropriate.

[0026] The power system 10 also includes a control system or controller that manages or controls the operation of several components included therein. For example, the power plant controller 22 can control the operation of the power plant 12 and the power generation equipment included therein, while the load controller 23 can control the mode or time of power purchase by the user 16. The power system 10 also includes a central management agency or dispatch management agency 24 that manages the dispatch process, through which load commitments are allocated between the power plants 12 to meet user needs. The controllers 22 and 23 can be connected to a communication network 20 on which data is exchanged via communication lines. The communication network 20 can be connected to or be part of a communication network such as the Internet, a private network, or a cloud network. In addition, the controllers 22 and 23 can receive information, data, and instructions from databases and resources (or "data resources 21") through the communication network 20, and / or send information, data, and instructions to databases and resources (or "data resources 21"). The controllers 22 and 23 can also store or accommodate data repositories locally. The data resources 21 may include several types of data, including but not limited to market data, operational data, performance data, and environmental condition data.

[0027] For example, in operation, the power plant 12 generates electricity via the power generation devices 11, 13, and the electricity is distributed on the public transmission line 14 for delivery to the user 16. According to the dispatch process managed by the dispatch management agency 24, the power plants can compete with each other to determine how each power plant will participate in the future power generation period to meet the expected load requirements of the user 16. In the dispatch process, the operator of the power plant 12 generates a bid curve, which includes the cost of generating electricity for the future power generation period. The bid curve represents the bid of the power plant 12 for the future power generation period, and generally includes an incremental variable cost curve or some other suitable indication of the variable power generation cost, which can be expressed in dollars / MWh relative to megawatt output, for example. The dispatch management agency 24 then uses the received bid curve to allocate the expected load requirements of the future power generation period among the power plants 12. For example, the dispatch management agency 24 can use a competitive process called economic dispatch to determine the participation level of each power plant 12 that most effectively meets the predicted load requirements of the power system 10. In this way, the main goal of the dispatch management agency 24 is to find the lowest cost of generating electricity to meet the expected user needs. Once completed, the dispatch authority 24 issues a commitment schedule to the generating stations 12 that specifically describes how each generating station will participate in future generation periods.

[0028] Once the commitment schedule is communicated to the power plants 12, the goal of each power plant is to produce the committed output in a manner that maximizes economic return. It will be appreciated that this goal is becoming particularly challenging given the increasing complexity of modern power plants. This complexity is the result of a combination of factors.

[0029] For example, power plants now typically include many different types of different generating units (such as thermal generating units 11 and renewable generating units 13), and these can enable many alternative generating configurations, each of which has its own set of economic considerations. Each of these generators 11, 13 must also be maintained according to its own maintenance schedule, which requires regular interruptions to the power supply, which must be carefully planned to avoid unnecessary impact on plant operations.

[0030] Furthermore, the electric power industry is a very formal industry with many laws and regulations that affect how power plants are operated. Finally, of course, volatile market conditions make short-term and long-term profitability a constantly changing target. While conventional control systems can expertly solve some problems, such as adjusting fuel flow, inlet guide vane settings, and other inputs by executing scheduling algorithms, the actual output and efficiency of a power plant are often affected by external factors that cannot be fully anticipated, such as variable environmental conditions or unplanned outages. It should be understood that the increasing complexity of power plants and the variability of operating conditions result in difficulty in predicting and controlling performance, which often results in inefficient operations. Furthermore, conventional control systems are often inadequate because they do not take full advantage of the growing data-intensive aspects of the industry. Specifically, current control systems have failed to successfully achieve the levels of industrial optimization brought about by the increasing availability of operating data, and this failure has resulted in inefficient operation of power plants and generating units and failure to maximize economic returns.

[0031] In addition, performance degradation is another factor that is difficult to quantify, but can have a significant impact on plant operations and economic returns. More specifically, because the performance of the power plant's generating units and machinery degrades over time, this must be taken into account when scheduling the units and understood when evaluating the cost-effectiveness of the plant. However, the rate of gas turbine degradation varies depending on many factors, including operating time, load, operating configuration, transient operation, and number of starts. However, many of these factors are interrelated and affect degradation in ways that are not fully understood. For example, the life hours of a gas turbine can be extended by reducing the combustion temperature, however, this alternative reduces efficiency and increases fuel costs. Conversely, increasing the combustion temperature increases efficiency, but shortens component life and increases maintenance and component replacement costs. Similarly, decisions related to turndown, shutdown, and rapid ramping affect the life consumption of machine components and fuel costs. In addition, by controlling the power plant's generating units in an extremely static manner, that is, by using static control profiles derived from periodic performance testing, such as heat rate curves, grid compliance and dispatch can be adversely affected. Between these updates, unit performance may have degraded to the point where the control profiles are out of date.

[0032] To compensate for all this variability, power plant operators tend to be extremely conservative when planning for future generation periods, which leads to bidding practices that make their units less competitive and underutilize capacity. Otherwise, there is a risk of the plant bidding beyond its current performance capabilities, which may force operators to operate units inefficiently to meet load commitments. As a result, operators continue to struggle to manage the life cycle costs and economic returns associated with a power plant's generating units due to many complex and interrelated factors. The degree to which these factors can be better understood and the associated trade-offs can be more effectively balanced can directly translate into increased economic benefits for the power plant. That is, without understanding and identifying short-term inefficiencies and long-term degradation, conventional power plant control systems must rely on frequent re-tuning, which can be costly, or bid and operate conservatively, which often has a negative impact on the cost-effectiveness of the plant.

[0033] Together, these problems often result in industrial assets, such as power plants and generating units, being operated in a manner that does not maximize efficiency and economic return. Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be disclosed with reference to the following figures, which address one or more aspects related to these persistent problems.

[0034] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an exemplary power plant 100 is provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure that is configured to generate total plant power 102 utilizing one or more power generation devices 104 and to supply at least a portion of such power to a power grid 105 (eg, via transmission line 14 ). Figure 1 Each of the power plants 12 in the Figure 2 The power plants 100 shown may be the same or different.

[0035] As an exemplary type of power generation device 104, the power plant 100 is shown as including a combustion or gas turbine 106, however, it should be understood that it may include different types of other power generation devices 104. For example, as shown, one or more power generation devices 104 may include a steam turbine 108 and a renewable power generation device 110. The renewable power generation device 110 may include a wind power generation device 112 (e.g., a wind turbine) and / or a solar power generation device 114 (e.g., a solar panel).

[0036] The gas turbine 106 may include a compressor 28 coupled to a downstream turbine section or turbine 29, for example, by a shaft 50, with a combustor 30 of a combustion section 31 positioned therebetween. In one operational example, the rotation of rotor blades within the compressor 28 compresses a flow of air. Within the combustor 30, energy is released as the compressed air mixes with fuel and combusts, and the resulting hot gas flow or working fluid is directed onto the rotor blades within the turbine 29, causing the shaft 50 to rotate. In this way, the energy within the working fluid is converted to rotate the shaft, which can then be used, for example, to drive the coils of a generator 35 to generate electricity. For example, when operating, the gas turbine 106 may generate a gas turbine electrical output 140, which may form part of the total plant electrical power 102.

[0037] The gas turbine 106 may produce heated exhaust gas 160, which may be provided to a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) 162 to produce steam 164. The steam 164 may expand within the steam turbine 108 and release heat energy to rotate a shaft 166 that couples the steam turbine 108 to a generator 168. The generator 168 may convert the mechanical rotational energy into electrical energy or a steam turbine electrical output 142, which may form part of the total plant power 102.

[0038] The power plant 100 may include any number of subsystems, components, power generation devices 104, or industrial assets, each of which may be connected to a computer-implemented control system and communication network for control and performance optimization according to the analysis, processes, and other functionality described herein. For example, within such a control system, operational data may be collected and provided electronically to computer-implemented analysis, data repositories, power plant or unit controllers, cloud-based services, and / or user interfaces or input devices (or "user devices") to enable a variety of functions. These functions may include deriving control set points for operating industrial assets, data storage / calling, generating graphical user interfaces, prompting / obtaining user input, decision support for long-term and short-term operations, automatic control responses, etc., as may be provided herein. Therefore, Figure 2 The networked computing systems, controllers, and associated computing resources may send / receive electronic communications to / from each of the systems, subsystems, components, sensors, actuators, user devices, and / or other equipment within the power plant 100 and the included power generation device 104, and may regulate control settings associated therewith in a manner consistent with the functionality described herein, whether such functionality is explicitly stated or implied in the appended claims, as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0039] As shown, each of the power generation devices 104 may include a control system or controller that monitors and controls operations. For example, the gas turbine 106 may be operably connected to a gas turbine controller 116 (or "GT controller"). The steam turbine 108 may be operably connected to a steam turbine controller 118 (or "ST controller"). The renewable power generation devices 110 may each be operably coupled to a renewable unit controller 120 (e.g., each of the renewable power generation devices 110 may be connected to the same controller or different controllers).

[0040] The controllers 116, 118, 120 satisfy various control requirements and prevent adverse or abnormal operating conditions. For example, the gas turbine controller 116 may perform many functions, including fuel, air and emission control, fuel sequencing for startup, shutdown and cooldown, synchronization and voltage matching of the generator 35, and monitoring gas turbine control and auxiliary functions, as may be described or implied herein. A plant controller 40 in communication with each of the controllers 116, 118, 120 may also be provided. The plant controller 40 generally controls aspects related to the overall operation of the power plant 100, such as the management and distribution of the total plant power 102 between assets within the power plant (such as flexible stable skids and auxiliary equipment) and a power grid 105 external to the power plant 100.

[0041] The controllers 116, 118, 120 and the power plant controller 40 (also collectively referred to herein as "controllers") may each include a computer system having a digital processor or processing resources (or "processor") and a machine-readable storage medium or storage capacity (or "memory"). Alternatively, the controllers 116, 118, 120 and the power plant controller 40 may be combined into a single controller having an integrated architecture. The controllers 116, 118, 120 and the power plant controller 40 and the computer systems associated with each controller may be connected to one or more user devices 44. The user device 44 may be configured to receive communications from / send communications to any person associated with the operation of the power plant 100 or the power generation device 104. The user device 44 may include any conventional device with a user interface, including but not limited to mobile devices, laptop computers, and other workstations, whether located locally or remotely relative to the power plant 100 or the power generation device 104.

[0042] The power generation device 104 can be monitored by a variety of sensors that collect data and transmit the data to local and remote computer systems for analysis by the local and remote computer systems, and control and operation feedback is generated by the local and remote computer systems. For example, each of the power generation devices 104 may include a plurality of sensors 56 that are configured to monitor specific operating aspects of the power generation device 104 by detecting or measuring operating conditions or parameters of the entire engine when the power generation device is operating, and these sensors are operably connected to the power generation device. For example, the sensor 56 may include a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a speed sensor, a flame detector sensor, a valve position sensor, and any other conventional sensor expected given the functionality described herein. As used herein, the term "parameter" refers to a measurable physical characteristic of an operation that can be used together to define operating conditions within a system. These operating parameters may include, but are not limited to, temperature, pressure, humidity, gas flow characteristics, environmental conditions, fuel characteristics, and other measurable characteristics that may be described or implied by the functionality described herein.

[0043] In addition, each of the power plants 104 may include a number of actuators 57 through which control of the power plants 104 is achieved. For example, the actuators 57 may include electromechanical devices with variable set points or settings that allow manipulation of certain process inputs (referred to herein as "manipulated variables") for controlling process outputs (referred to herein as "controlled variables") according to a desired result or mode of operation. Thus, for example, a command generated by the GT controller 116 may cause one or more actuators 57 within the gas turbine 106 to adjust a valve between the fuel supply system and the combustor 30 to adjust a flow level, fuel split, or fuel type.

[0044] It should be understood that Figure 2 A computer system (such as controllers 116, 118, 120) executes code or a software program or application (or, generally referred to as "software") that is configured to control the power generation device 104 and / or the power plant 100 according to a desired operating mode, or to maximize a predefined performance goal. Such control may be responsive to operating data provided by sensors 56 and / or instructions received from user equipment 44, and may be achieved by manipulating one or more actuators 57. To facilitate this, user equipment 44 may be accessed and used by power plant managers, technicians, engineers, operators, energy traders, owners, and / or other stakeholders, as may be described or implied by any functionality provided herein. The software may include schedules, analyses, models, and algorithms for regulating any system or subsystem described herein.

[0045] The controller 40 (and / or the controllers 116, 118, and 120) may receive information, data, and instructions from the data resource 21, and / or may send information, data, and instructions to the data resource. The data resource 21 may include any type of data implied by the functionality described herein. For example, the data resource 21 may include, but is not limited to, the following types of data: market data, operational data, and environmental condition data. The market data may, for example, include information about market conditions, such as energy sales prices, fuel costs, labor costs, regulations, etc. The operational data may, for example, include information related to the operating conditions of the power plant 100, one or more power generation devices 104, or related components. Such operational data may include temperature or pressure measurements within the power generation device 104 (such as the gas turbine 106), air flow rate, fuel flow rate, etc. The environmental condition data may, for example, include information related to the environmental conditions at the power plant 100, such as ambient air temperature, humidity, and / or pressure. The market, operational, and environmental condition data may each include historical records, current condition data, and / or data related to predictions. For example, data resources 21 may include: current weather / climate information and forecasted weather / climate information; current market conditions and forecasted market conditions; usage and performance history regarding the operation of power plant 100 or power generation device 104; and / or measured parameters regarding the operation of other similarly located power plants or gas turbines, which may be defined as those power plants or gas turbines having similar components and / or configurations. Other data that may describe or imply functionality as described herein may also be stored in data resources 21 and called from there as needed.

[0046] In many embodiments, the power plant 100 may include one or more auxiliary devices 122 that are operably coupled to one or more power generation devices. For example, one or more auxiliary devices 122 may be coupled to one or more power generation devices 104 thermally, fluidically, or mechanically. Specifically, the auxiliary device 122 is operably coupled to the gas turbine 106 (e.g., coupled to the gas turbine 106 thermally, fluidically, or mechanically at least one of the two). One or more auxiliary devices 122 may include pumps, fans, actuators (such as actuator 57), sensors (such as sensor 56), valves, or other devices coupled to the gas turbine 106. The auxiliary device 122 may generate auxiliary demand (i.e., auxiliary power demand) during its operation. The auxiliary device may at least partially facilitate the operation of the gas turbine 106. Therefore, the auxiliary device 122 may only operate during the operation of the gas turbine 106, and therefore only generate auxiliary power demand. The auxiliary device may be a component of the gas turbine 106 that requires electricity to operate, and therefore, the auxiliary power demand may be the amount of electricity required for the operation of the gas turbine 106.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the power plant 100 may include a flexible and stable skid 124. The flexible and stable skid 124 may be disposed within the power plant 100 and may be configured to generate (e.g., selectively generate) a flexible and stable demand (i.e., a flexible and stable power demand). The flexible and stable demand may be the amount of power required for the operation of the flexible and stable skid 124 (i.e., the amount consumed by the flexible and stable skid 124 during its operation). The flexible and stable skid 124 may not be mechanically, fluidically, or thermally coupled to a power generation device 104 (such as a gas turbine 106), but may be disposed in close proximity thereto (such as within 500 meters, or such as within 350 meters, or such as within 200 meters, or such as within 100 meters). The flexible and stable skid 124 may be disposed electrically upstream of the power grid 105 (e.g., electrically upstream of a first substation and / or user 16 that may form part of the power grid 105).

[0048] In many embodiments, as shown, the flexible and stable skid 124 may include a containerized demand receiving point 126 having a digital asset 128 disposed within a housing 130. The housing 130 may be a movable structure or a non-movable structure surrounding and including the digital asset. For example, in some embodiments, the housing 130 may be a shipping container, such as an 8-foot by 8.5-foot by 10-foot shipping container (which may be referred to as a "10-foot shipping container"), or such as an 8-foot by 8.5-foot by 20-foot shipping container (which may be referred to as a "20-foot shipping container"), or such as an 8-foot by 8.5-foot by 40-foot shipping container (which may be referred to as a "40-foot shipping container"). In other embodiments, the housing 130 may be a non-movable structure, such as a warehouse or other permanent structure connected to the ground.

[0049] The flexible and stable skid 124 may not be mechanically, thermally, or fluidly coupled to the one or more power generation devices 104. That is, the flexible and stable skid 124 may operate independently of the one or more power generation devices 104, but the flexible and stable skid 124 may be powered by electrical energy generated by the one or more power generation devices 104. As such, the flexible and stable skid 124 may only be electrically connected to the one or more power generation devices 104.

[0050] The containerized demand receiving point 126 may include a data center 132, digital factory equipment 134, and / or a computing unit 136. The data center 132 may include a plurality of servers (e.g., computing devices that provide services, data, or resources to other computers or clients within a network), networking equipment, cooling systems. The digital factory equipment 134 may include additive manufacturing machines, computer numerical control (CNC) machines, industrial robots, or other equipment.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the containerized demand receiving point 126 may include a computing unit (such as a plurality of computing units). The computing unit 136 may be a dedicated computing system configured to perform complex mathematical calculations required to verify and secure transactions on the blockchain network. Specifically, the computing units 136 may each include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), RAM, a computer chassis, a motherboard, a power supply unit, one or more cooling systems (such as fans or liquid cooling systems), and a local communication device (e.g., a modem). The computing unit 136 may serve the function of performing high-load calculations (such as data mining, graphics rendering, machine learning, blockchain verification, distributed ledger processing, and / or distributed computing). The computing unit may use secure hash algorithms such as SHA-0, SHA-1, SHA-2, and SHA-256 (the most common secure hash algorithm in the blockchain space and used by most coins, including various cryptocurrencies), and also SHA-512 (a more complex version of SHA-256 with stronger theoretical security and the ability to withstand brute force attacks), SHA-3, SHA3-256, SHA3-512.

[0052] In many embodiments, the flexible and stable skid 124 may include a flexible and stable skid controller 125 that may be in operative communication with a containerized demand receiving point 126. The flexible and stable skid controller 125 may control and monitor the operation of the flexible and stable skid, including the digital asset 128. Additionally, the flexible and stable skid controller 125 may be operatively connected to and in communication with the plant controller 40, such that control of the digital asset 128 may be based on signals received from the plant controller 40.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible and robust skid controller 125 may selectively operate all or a portion of the digital asset 128, such that a flexible and robust power demand is selectively generated and scaled as needed. For example, in an embodiment where the digital asset 128 is a plurality of computing units 136, the flexible and robust skid controller 125 may initiate operation of all or a portion (e.g., such as between 0% and about 100%) of the computing units 136. For example, the flexible and robust skid controller 125 may power on the computing units 136 and instruct the computing units 136 to begin performing high-load power calculations, thereby generating a predetermined flexible and robust demand that may be met or achieved by dividing and supplying the total plant power 102.

[0054] Flexible and stable demands can be generated and satisfied within the power plant 100. That is, flexible and stable demands can be generated by operating digital assets 128 within the power plant 100, and can be satisfied (or reached) internally by utilizing power generated by one or more power generation devices 104. In this way, the power or electricity supplied to the flexible and stable skid 124 to meet the flexible and stable demands does not travel through the power grid 105, but is supplied locally (i.e., within the power plant) via power generated by one or more power generation devices 104. This allows the flexible and stable demands to maintain and support at least a portion of the power output of certain power generation devices internally to maintain the maximum efficiency range of the power generation devices 104.

[0055] The power plant 100 and each of the one or more power generation devices 104 may operate within a maximum efficiency range under base load conditions. In such cases, the power plant and each of the one or more power generation devices may generate a base load power output. For example, the power plant 100 may generate a power plant base load power output, the gas turbine 106 may generate a gas turbine base load power output, and so on.

[0056] For example, the gas turbine 106 may be operated within a maximum efficiency range under base load conditions (under which a gas turbine base load electrical output is generated). Starting / stopping the gas turbine 106, operating below base load conditions (e.g., generating an electrical output less than the base load electrical output), and / or operating above base load conditions (e.g., generating an electrical output greater than the base load electrical output) may cause the gas turbine 106 (and / or the entire power plant 100) to exceed the maximum efficiency range. In this way, when grid demand may fluctuate and weather may change, thereby adjusting the electrical output of the renewable power generation device 110, regardless of the magnitude of the grid demand and / or the magnitude of the renewable electrical power generated (e.g., regardless of weather conditions), flexible firm demand may be selectively generated (and scaled as needed) to keep the gas turbine 106 (and the entire power plant 100) supported under base load conditions.

[0057] As a non-limiting example, if the renewable power generation device 110 is generating sufficient power output to meet current grid demand (e.g., weather conditions are sufficient to support such output), such that the gas turbine 106 is not required or is required to generate a level of power below the baseload power output, the flexible robustness skid 124 may operate the digital assets 128 to generate a flexible robustness demand of a size sufficient to support operation of the gas turbine 106 (and / or the entire power plant) at baseload conditions, thereby maintaining a maximum efficiency range. In this same example, if weather conditions change (e.g., the wind stops blowing or the sun stops shining) or grid demand increases, such that the renewable power output is no longer sufficient to meet the grid demand, the flexible robustness skid 124 may adjust operation to reduce the flexible robustness demand or shut down entirely, and the gas turbine 106 may continue to operate at baseload conditions or ramp up from baseload conditions to meet grid demand and compensate for the reduction in renewable power output.

[0058] This prevents having to start / stop the gas turbine 106 based on current grid demand and / or based on weather conditions because the gas turbine power output can be consumed in whole or in part by the flexible firming demand (which can be reduced, increased, or cut off in milliseconds). In addition, this provides for faster grid response because adjusting the flexible firming demand by adjusting the operation of the flexible firming skid 124 can be much faster than ramping up the gas turbine 106. For example, the gas turbine can ramp between 0% power output to about 100% power output at a power ramp rate between about 1% / minute to about 15% / minute (or such as between about 8% / minute to about 12% / minute, or such as between about 5% / minute to about 10% / minute). In other words, the gas turbine can ramp between 0% power output to about 100% power output at a power ramp rate between about 10 MW per minute (e.g., MW / min) to about 60 MW / minute. In other embodiments, the power ramp rate can be between about 10 MW / min to about 40 MW / min. In some embodiments, the power ramp rate may be between about 10 MW / min and about 30 MW / min, or between about 8% (MW / min) and 12% (MW / min) for a gas turbine, or between about 20% (MW / min) and about 50% (MW / min) for an aeroderivative gas turbine. In many embodiments, the gas turbine 106 may include a maximum rated power output (e.g., the maximum power output of the gas turbine in MW / min), and the power ramp rate of the gas turbine may be between about 8% of the maximum rated power output per minute to about 12% of the maximum rated power output per minute.

[0059] The flexible firm demand may be between about 1 MW and about 50 MW (or such as between about 10 MW and about 30 MW), which may be scaled as needed depending on how many computing units are operational. The flexible firm demand may be adjusted (e.g., increased, decreased, or eliminated) within about 0.001 seconds to about 5 seconds by adjusting the number of operating computing units.

[0060] In many embodiments, one or more power generation devices 104 may collectively generate total plant power. For example, gas turbine 106 may generate gas turbine power output 140; steam turbine 108 may generate steam turbine power output 142; and renewable power generation device 110 may generate renewable power output 144. Gas turbine power output 140, steam turbine power output 142, and renewable power output 144 may collectively form total plant power 102. Total plant power may be provided to each of auxiliary equipment, flexible stable skids, and power grids (e.g., via one or more transmission lines, power distribution units, etc.) to meet their respective power needs.

[0061] For example, in many embodiments, a first portion 148 of the total plant power 102 may be provided to one or more auxiliary equipment 122 to meet an auxiliary demand 149. Additionally, a second portion 150 of the total plant power 102 may be provided to the flexible robust skid 124 to meet a flexible robust demand 151. A third portion 156 of the total plant power 102 may be provided to the power grid 105 external to the power plant 100 (e.g., via the transmission line 14) to meet a grid demand 153. Notably, arrows from the total plant power 102 and connected to one of the auxiliary equipment 122, the power grid 105, or the flexible robust skid 124 may represent both the power provided to these systems and the power demand of these systems (these values ​​are equal because the power demand is the power consumed during operation of the system).

[0062] The flexible and stable skid 124 may also include a backup power source 170 that is electrically connected to the containerized demand receiving point 126 and the one or more power generation devices 104. The backup power source 170 may not be electrically connected to the power grid 105, such that the backup power source does not generate power that is utilized by the power grid 105. Instead, the backup power source may selectively generate power that may be utilized by the containerized demand receiving point 126 and / or by the one or more power generation devices (e.g., for starting the gas turbine 106). The power output of the backup power source 170 may be capable of generating only a small portion of the power output of the one or more power generation devices 104 (such as between about 5% and about 20% of the power output of the one or more power generation devices 104). The backup power source 170 may be an industrial diesel generator, a natural gas generator, a hydrogen generator, a battery bank, or other power generation device or power storage device.

[0063] For example, in many embodiments, an electric motor (EM) 172 may be coupled to the shaft 50 of the gas turbine 108 such that operation of the electric motor 172 rotates the shaft 50 of the gas turbine 108. In an exemplary embodiment, the electric motor 172 may be integrated with the generator 35 (or may be the generator 35 operated in a particular manner). For example, the generator 35 may be powered by a power source to operate in reverse (i.e., as a motor) to force the shaft 50 of the gas turbine 106 to rotate. That is, the generator 35 (and / or the electric motor 172) may be electrically coupled to the backup power source 170 (e.g., via one or more power lines or wires). In order to start the gas turbine 108 with the assistance of the backup power source 170, the backup power source may provide a generator output to the generator 35 (and / or to the electric motor 172), which in turn rotates the shaft 50, and combustion may be initiated in the combustion section 31.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, the gas turbine 106 may include a fuel supply system 174 that may be fluidly coupled to the combustor 30 in the combustion section 31 of the gas turbine 106. The fuel supply system 174 may include one or more tanks, supply lines, valves, and / or pumps to provide fuel to the combustion section 31 of the gas turbine 106. In many embodiments, the backup power source 170 may also be fluidly coupled to the fuel supply system 174, such that the fuel supply system 174 may be configured to supply fuel to one (or both) of the backup power source 170 and the combustor 30. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the backup power source 170 may be fluidly coupled to an independent fuel supply 176 of the flexible and stable skid 124.

[0065] Figures 3 to 5 Each shows a flow chart of one embodiment of a method 300, 400, 500 of operating a power plant according to an embodiment of the subject matter of the present invention. In general, reference will be made herein to the above references Figure 1 and Figure 2 The methods 300, 400, 500 are described with reference to the power system 10 and power plant 100 described herein. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the disclosed methods 300, 400, 500 may generally be used with any suitable power plant or power system and / or may be used in conjunction with a system having any other suitable system configuration. Figures 3 to 5Each step is depicted as being performed in a particular order for the purposes of illustration and discussion, but unless otherwise specified in the claims, the methods discussed herein are not limited to any particular order or arrangement. One skilled in the art will understand, using the disclosure provided herein, that the various steps of the methods disclosed herein may be omitted, rearranged, combined, and / or adjusted in various ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Dashed boxes indicate optional steps of methods 300, 400, 500.

[0066] Specific reference Figure 3 In an exemplary embodiment, method 300 may include: at (302), generating total plant power using one or more power generation devices. The one or more power generation devices may include thermal power generation devices (such as gas turbines and / or steam turbines) and / or renewable power generation devices (such as wind turbines and / or solar panels). The power generation devices may collectively generate total plant power. However, in some specific implementations, only a single power generation device (such as a gas turbine) may generate total plant power. For example, power generation at (302) may also include: at (304), generating a renewable power output that forms a portion of the total plant power using a renewable power generation device. This may include collecting wind energy using a wind turbine or collecting solar energy using a solar panel. In addition, as shown in the figure, power generation at (302) may also include: at (306), operating a power plant (e.g., a gas turbine) under base load conditions to generate a base load power output. The power plant may operate within a maximum efficiency range under base load conditions (under which the base load power output is generated). Starting / stopping the gas turbine, operating below base load conditions (e.g., generating an electrical output less than the base load electrical output), and / or operating above base load conditions (e.g., generating an electrical output greater than the base load electrical output) can cause the power plant to exceed a maximum efficiency range. The maximum efficiency range can correspond to the most fuel efficient (and / or cost efficient) operation of the gas turbine (and / or the entire power plant). Operation of the power plant within the maximum efficiency range achieves the maximum ratio of generated energy to consumed energy that is possible for the gas turbine. Additionally, base load operation of the power plant results in lower emissions per unit of electricity generated.

[0067] In many specific implementations, the method 300 may include: at (308), providing a first portion of the total plant power to one or more auxiliary devices to meet auxiliary demand. The auxiliary demand may be generated by the operation of one or more auxiliary devices. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more auxiliary devices are connected to one or more power generation devices thermally, fluidically, or mechanically. The auxiliary devices may support the operation of one or more power generation devices. For example, in an embodiment where one or more power generation devices include a gas turbine, the auxiliary devices may include a starting system (such as an electric motor for rotating a shaft), a fuel system, an ignition system, an air intake system, a lubricating oil pump, a compressor / turbine purge system, a cooling system, or other systems associated with the operation of the gas turbine (and / or required for the operation of the gas turbine). The auxiliary owner demand is the power required to operate the various auxiliary devices in the power plant.

[0068] In some implementations, the method may include: at (310), generating a flexible firming demand between about 1% and about 50% of the base load power output of the power plant to maintain a maximum efficiency range. In other implementations, the flexible firming demand may be between about 10% and about 30% of the base load power output. The flexible firming demand may be generated by operating a flexible firming skid. In addition, the flexible firming demand may be modified, scaled, or adjusted based on the power output of other power generation devices and / or based on current grid demand. For example, if grid demand increases (e.g., exceeds a predetermined threshold), the flexible firming demand may be reduced (e.g., reduced by an amount equal to or only a portion of the increase in grid demand). As another example, if a renewable power generation device has an adjusted output (e.g., increased or decreased) due to a change in weather conditions or other factors, the flexible firming demand may be adjusted by the same amount so that the operation of the power plant (e.g., a gas turbine) does not have to be modified (e.g., ramped up or down) from base load conditions.

[0069] In various implementations, method 300 may further include, at (312), adjusting operation of the flexible robustness skid to adjust the flexible robustness demand when the total plant power exceeds the sum of the grid demand and the auxiliary demand to maintain operation of the power plant under base load conditions. For example, if weather conditions change such that the renewable power generation device is generating increased power output, the flexible robustness demand may be increased such that the total power output does not exceed the sum of the grid demand and the auxiliary demand.

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, the method may further include: at (314), providing a second portion of the total plant power to a flexible and stable skid disposed within the power plant to meet a flexible and stable demand. The flexible and stable demand may be generated by the operation of the flexible and stable skid. The flexible and stable skid may not be mechanically, thermally, or fluidly coupled to one or more power generation devices. That is, the flexible and stable skid may operate independently of the one or more power generation devices, but the flexible and stable skid may be powered by electrical energy generated by the one or more power generation devices. In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible and stable skid may include one or more containerized demand receiving points having a computing unit (such as a plurality of computing units). The computing unit may be a dedicated computing system configured to perform complex mathematical calculations required to verify and secure transactions on a blockchain network, which may generate a flexible and stable demand. The computing unit may serve the function of performing high-load computing (such as data mining, graphics rendering, machine learning, blockchain verification, distributed ledger processing, and / or distributed computing). The computing unit may use secure hash algorithms such as SHA-0, SHA-1, SHA-2, and SHA-256 (the most common secure hash algorithm in the blockchain space and used by most coins, including various cryptocurrencies), and also SHA-512 (a more complex version of SHA-256 with stronger theoretical security and the ability to withstand brute force attacks), SHA-3, SHA3-256, SHA3-512.

[0071] In many embodiments, the containerized demand receiving point may be movable or easily transportable. For example, the containerized demand receiving point may be a movable structure surrounding and including the digital asset. For example, in some embodiments, the housing of the containerized demand receiving point may be a shipping container, such as an 8-foot by 8.5-foot by 10-foot shipping container (which may be referred to as a "10-foot shipping container"), or such as an 8-foot by 8.5-foot by 20-foot shipping container (which may be referred to as a "20-foot shipping container"), or such as an 8-foot by 8.5-foot by 40-foot shipping container (which may be referred to as a "40-foot shipping container"). In such embodiments, method 300 may include: moving the containerized demand receiving point from a first location to a second location different from the first location. The first location may be within a power station, and the second location may be a different location within the power station. In other specific implementations, the first location may be within a first power station, and the second location may be within a second power station different from the first power station. In this way, the containerized demand receiving point may be relocated to a different location within a power station or to another power station.

[0072] In many specific implementations, method 300 may also include: at (316), providing a third portion of the total plant power to a power grid external to the power plant to meet grid demand. Grid demand may fluctuate throughout the day (or throughout the week, or throughout the month), and the flexible stability skid may adjust operation in response to changes in grid demand to ensure that the power plant is able to remain under base load conditions where maximum efficiency occurs. For example, the method may include: at (320), when the grid demand exceeds a power threshold, reducing or eliminating the flexible stability demand by adjusting the operation of the flexible stability skid. For example, in an embodiment where the flexible stability skid includes a computing unit configured to perform high load calculations, the method may include shutting off or turning on all or a portion of the computing unit in response to fluctuations in grid demand to adjust the flexible stability demand while maintaining base load operation of the gas turbine engine.

[0073] In some specific implementations, method 300 may also include: at (318), adjusting the flexible firming demand based on the magnitude of the renewable power output. For example, the flexible firming demand may increase or decrease accordingly as the renewable power output increases or decreases. Specifically, if the renewable power output increases, the flexible firming demand may also increase. In contrast, if the renewable power output decreases, the flexible firming demand may decrease. Step 318 may be performed while maintaining the gas turbine at a base load condition, thereby generating a base load power output of the gas turbine (and / or a base load power output of the entire power plant). This makes the total power output robust to weather changes while still allowing maximum efficiency of the gas turbine.

[0074] Specific reference Figure 4 In an exemplary embodiment, method 400 may include: At (402), generating total plant power using one or more power generation devices. The one or more power generation devices may include thermal power generation devices (such as gas turbines and / or steam turbines) and / or renewable power generation devices (such as wind turbines and / or solar panels). The power generation devices may collectively generate the total plant power. However, in some specific implementations, only a single power generation device (such as a gas turbine) may generate the total plant power.

[0075] In many specific implementations, method 400 may include: at (404), providing a first portion of the total plant power to one or more auxiliary devices to meet auxiliary demand. The auxiliary demand may be generated by the operation of one or more auxiliary devices. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more auxiliary devices are connected to one or more power generation devices thermally, fluidically, or mechanically. The auxiliary devices may support the operation of one or more power generation devices. For example, in an embodiment where one or more power generation devices include a gas turbine, the auxiliary devices may include a starting system (such as an electric motor for rotating a shaft), a fuel system, an ignition system, an intake system, a compressor / turbine purge system, a cooling system, or other systems associated with the operation of the gas turbine (and / or required for the operation of the gas turbine). Auxiliary owner demand is the power required to operate the various auxiliary devices in the power plant.

[0076] The method 400 may also include: at (406), providing a second portion of the total plant power to a flexible and stable skid disposed within the power plant to meet a flexible and stable demand. The flexible and stable demand may be generated by the operation of the flexible and stable skid. The flexible and stable skid may not be mechanically, thermally, or fluidly coupled to one or more power generation devices. That is, the flexible and stable skid may operate independently of the one or more power generation devices, but the flexible and stable skid may be powered by electrical energy generated by the one or more power generation devices. In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible and stable skid may include one or more containerized demand receiving points having a computing unit (such as a plurality of computing units). The computing unit may be a dedicated computing system configured to perform complex mathematical calculations required to verify and secure transactions on a blockchain network, which may generate a flexible and stable demand. The computing unit may serve the function of performing high-load computing (such as data mining, graphics rendering, machine learning, blockchain verification, distributed ledger processing, and / or distributed computing). The computing unit may use secure hash algorithms such as SHA-0, SHA-1, SHA-2, and SHA-256 (the most common secure hash algorithm in the blockchain space and used by most coins, including various cryptocurrencies), and also SHA-512 (a more complex version of SHA-256 with stronger theoretical security and the ability to withstand brute force attacks), SHA-3, SHA3-256, SHA3-512.

[0077] In various embodiments, method 400 may further include, at (408), providing a third portion of the total plant power to a power grid external to the power plant to meet grid demand. Grid demand may fluctuate throughout the day (or throughout the week, or throughout the month), and the flexible stability skid may adjust operation in response to changes in grid demand. For example, in many specific implementations, the method may include, at (410), receiving an increase in grid demand that exceeds a power ramp rate for one or more power generation devices. For example, in embodiments where one or more power generation devices include a gas turbine, the gas turbine may ramp between 0% power output to about 100% power output at a power ramp rate between about 1% / minute to about 15% / minute. In other words, the gas turbine may ramp between 0% power output to about 100% power output at a power ramp rate between about 10 MW / minute to about 30 MW / minute, or a power ramp rate between about 8% (of rated MW) per minute to about 12% (of rated MW) per minute. Thus, receiving at (410) may also include receiving, at (412), an increase in grid demand of greater than about 10 megawatts (MW), or such as greater than about 15 MW, or such as greater than about 25 MW, or such as greater than about 30 MW. The increase in grid demand may be due to weather conditions, resulting in a user (e.g., Figure 1 Users 16) in the network draw more electricity.

[0078] In an exemplary embodiment, method 400 may also include: at (414), adjusting the operation of the flexible and stable skid in response to an increase in grid demand to modify the flexible and stable demand. The flexible and stable demand may be between about 1 MW and about 50 MW (or such as between about 10 MW and about 30 MW), which may be scaled as needed depending on how many computing units are operational. The flexible and stable demand may be adjusted (e.g., increased, decreased, or eliminated) within about 0.001 seconds to about 5 seconds by adjusting the number of operating computing units. For example, as discussed above, the flexible and stable skid may include a plurality of computing units configured to selectively perform high-load computations (such as blockchain verification). In such embodiments, the adjustment at (414) may include powering off / on one or more of the plurality of computing units to increase / decrease the flexible and stable demand.

[0079] In some embodiments, the adjustment at (414) may also include: at (416): reducing the flexible stability demand by adjusting the operation of the flexible stability skid in response to the increase in grid demand. For example, the flexible stability demand may be reduced by an equal amount, a smaller amount, or a larger amount as the grid demand increases. In many embodiments, the adjustment at (414) may include: at (418), adjusting the operation of the flexible stability skid in response to the increase in grid demand to reduce the flexible stability demand by an amount approximately equal to (e.g., within ±5%) the increase in grid demand. In another specific implementation, the adjustment at (414) may include: at (420), eliminating the flexible stability demand by shutting off the operation of the flexible stability skid in response to the increase in grid demand. For example, in an embodiment where the flexible stability skid includes multiple computing units, the elimination at (420) may include shutting off all computing units simultaneously or nearly simultaneously to completely eliminate the flexible stability demand.

[0080] In some implementations, method 400 may include generating a flexible firming demand between about 1% and about 50% of the base load power output of the power plant to maintain a maximum efficiency range. In other implementations, the flexible firming demand may be between about 10% and about 30% of the base load power output. The flexible firming demand may be generated by operating a flexible firming skid. In addition, the flexible firming demand may be modified, scaled, or adjusted based on the power output of other power generation devices and / or based on current grid demand. For example, if grid demand increases (e.g., exceeds a predetermined threshold), the flexible firming demand may be reduced (e.g., reduced by an amount equal to or only a portion of the increase in grid demand). As another example, if a renewable power generation device has an adjusted output (e.g., increased or decreased) due to changes in weather conditions or other factors, the flexible firming demand may be adjusted by the same amount so that the operation of the gas turbine does not have to be modified (e.g., ramped up or down) from base load conditions.

[0081] In many embodiments, method 400 may also include: at (422), reducing the flexible and stable demand in response to an increase in grid demand to maintain a base load condition for the power plant and meet the increase in grid demand. For example, a power plant (e.g., a gas turbine and / or other power generation device) may be supported by a flexible and stable skid at a base load condition. That is, all or a portion of the base load power output of the power plant may be consumed by the flexible and stable skid. Therefore, reducing the flexible and stable demand in response to an increase in grid demand may prevent any modification or deviation from the base load condition by the power plant (e.g., a gas turbine and / or other power generation device), thereby maintaining a maximum efficiency range for the power plant (including the gas turbine and other power generation devices).

[0082] Specific reference Figure 5In an exemplary embodiment, method 500 may include: At (502), generating total plant power using one or more power generation devices. The one or more power generation devices may include thermal power generation devices (such as gas turbines and / or steam turbines) and / or renewable power generation devices (such as wind turbines and / or solar panels). The power generation devices may collectively generate the total plant power. However, in some specific implementations, only a single power generation device (such as a gas turbine) may generate the total plant power. The one or more power generation devices may be electrically connected to a power grid to supply power thereto.

[0083] In addition to the power generation device, the power station may also include a backup power source that is not electrically connected to the power grid, but is electrically connected to the flexible stable skid and one or more power generation devices. The backup power source may be a backup generator (such as a gas generator, a diesel generator, or other power generation device that converts fuel into energy) or an energy storage system (such as a battery pack). The method may include: at (504), using the backup power source to supply a backup power output. In some embodiments where the backup power source is a backup generator (such as a diesel generator, a gas generator, or other generator), the method may include generating a backup power output by operating the backup generator. The backup power output may not be provided outside the power station (e.g., to the power grid), and the backup power source power output may only be able to output as a small portion of the power output of one or more power generation devices (such as between about 5% and about 20% of the power output of one or more power generation devices). In some embodiments, the backup power source may be an industrial diesel generator, a natural gas generator, a hydrogen generator, or other power generation device. In other embodiments, the backup power source may be an energy storage system, such as a battery pack or other large-scale (e.g., 10MW to 50MW) energy storage system.

[0084] In many specific implementations, method 500 may include, at (506), starting a gas turbine of one or more power generation devices using a backup power output. For example, an electric motor may be coupled to a shaft of the gas turbine (such that operation of the electric motor rotates the shaft of the gas turbine), and the electric motor may be electrically connected to a backup power source. In such an embodiment, method 500 may include, at (508), providing a backup power output to the electric motor coupled to the shaft of the gas turbine. Method 500 may also include, at (510), rotating the shaft of the gas turbine using the electric motor, and at (512), initiating combustion in a combustion section of the gas turbine. Initiating combustion may include providing fuel / air to one or more burners and igniting the fuel using an ignition source (such as a spark plug or a torch igniter).

[0085] In an exemplary implementation, method 500 may also include: at (514), providing a first portion of the total plant power to one or more auxiliary devices to meet auxiliary demand. The auxiliary demand may be generated by the operation of one or more auxiliary devices. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more auxiliary devices are connected to the one or more power generation devices in a thermal manner, a fluid manner, or a mechanical manner. The auxiliary device may support the operation of one or more power generation devices. For example, in an embodiment where one or more power generation devices include a gas turbine, the auxiliary device may include a starting system (such as an electric motor for rotating a shaft), a fuel system, an ignition system, an intake system, a compressor / turbine purge system, a pump system, a cooling system, or other systems associated with the operation of the gas turbine (and / or required for the operation of the gas turbine). Auxiliary owner demand is the power required to operate the various auxiliary devices in the power plant.

[0086] The method 500 may also include, at (516), providing at least one of a second portion of the total plant power and the backup power output to the flexible and stable skid to meet the flexible and stable demand. For example, the flexible and stable demand may be met in whole or in part by the backup power output. In many implementations, the flexible and stable demand may be met by both a portion of the total plant power and the backup power output. For example, in such implementations, the method 500 may include, at (518), providing both a second portion of the total plant power and the backup power output to the flexible and stable skid to meet the flexible and stable demand. The ratio of the second portion of the total power provided to the flexible and stable skid to meet the flexible and stable skid to the backup power output may be selectively changed. In some implementations, the method 500 may also include, at (520), adjusting the ratio of the second portion of the total plant power provided to the flexible and stable skid to the backup power output based on the magnitude of the grid demand. For example, if the grid demand is large (e.g., greater than a first predetermined power threshold), the flexible and stable skid may be powered entirely by the backup power output. In another example, if the grid demand is less than the first predetermined power threshold, but greater than the second predetermined power threshold, the flexible robust skid may be powered by both the backup power output and the second portion of the total power output. In yet another example, if the grid demand is less than both the first predetermined power threshold and the second predetermined power threshold, the flexible robust skid may be powered entirely by the backup power output.

[0087] In an exemplary implementation, method 500 may further include: at (522), providing a third portion of the total plant power to a power grid external to the power plant to meet grid demand. Grid demand may fluctuate throughout the day (or throughout the week, or throughout the month), and the flexible stability skid may adjust operation in response to changes in grid demand to ensure that the power plant is able to remain in base load conditions where maximum efficiency occurs.

[0088] Figure 6 A block diagram of an exemplary computing system 600 is provided. The computing system 600 may be used to implement various aspects disclosed herein. The computing system 600 may include one or more computing devices 602. For example, the above reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The depicted controllers 22 , 23 , 40 , 116 , 118 , 120 , 125 may each be constructed and operable in the same or similar manner as one of the computing devices 602 .

[0089] like Figure 6 As shown, one or more computing devices 602 may each include one or more processors 604 and one or more memory devices 606. One or more processors 604 may include any suitable processing device, such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an integrated circuit, a logic device, or other suitable processing device. One or more memory devices 606 may include one or more computer-readable media, including but not limited to one or more non-transitory computer-readable media, RAM, ROM, hard disk drives, flash drives, and other memory devices, such as one or more buffer devices.

[0090] The one or more memory devices 606 may store information accessible by the one or more processors 604, including computer-readable or computer-executable instructions 608 that may be executed by the one or more processors 604. The instructions 608 may be any set of instructions or control logic that, when executed by the one or more processors 604, causes the one or more processors 604 to perform operations. The instructions 608 may be software written in any suitable programming language or may be implemented in hardware. In some embodiments, the instructions 608 may be executed by the one or more processors 604 to cause the one or more processors 604 to perform operations.

[0091] The memory device 606 may further store data 610 that may be accessed by the processor 604. For example, the data 610 may include sensor data as described herein, such as engine parameters, model data, logic data, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the data 610 may include one or more tables, functions, algorithms, models, formulas, etc.

[0092] The one or more computing devices 602 may also include a communication interface 612 for communicating, for example, with other components or other controllers of the power plant 100. The communication interface 612 may include any suitable components for interfacing with one or more networks, including, for example, a transmitter, a receiver, a port, a controller, an antenna, or other suitable components.

[0093] The technology discussed herein refers to computer-based systems and the actions taken by computer-based systems and the information sent to and from computer-based systems. It should be understood that the inherent flexibility of computer-based systems allows for the division of tasks and functionality between various possible configurations, combinations, and components. For example, the processes discussed herein can be implemented using a single computing device or multiple computing devices working in combination. Databases, memories, instructions, and applications can be implemented on a single system or distributed on multiple systems.

[0094] Although specific features of various embodiments may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and / or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

[0095] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any combined method. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. If these other examples include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the claims, these other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

[0096] Further aspects of the invention are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

[0097] A method for operating a power plant, the method comprising: generating total plant power using one or more power generation devices; providing a first portion of the total plant power to one or more auxiliary equipment to meet auxiliary demand, the auxiliary demand being generated by operation of the one or more auxiliary equipment, the one or more auxiliary equipment being thermally, fluidically or mechanically coupled to the one or more power generation devices; providing a second portion of the total plant power to a flexible and stable skid-mounted block disposed within the power plant to meet flexible and stable demand, the flexible and stable demand being generated by operation of the flexible and stable skid-mounted block; and providing a third portion of the total plant power to a power grid outside the power plant to meet grid demand.

[0098] A method according to any preceding clause, wherein the flexible and stable skid is not mechanically, thermally or fluidly coupled to the one or more power generation devices.

[0099] A method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the power plant operates within a maximum efficiency range under base load conditions, wherein the power plant generates a base load power output under the base load conditions, and wherein the method further comprises: generating a flexible firm demand between about 1% and about 50% of the base load power output of the power plant to maintain the maximum efficiency range.

[0100] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein the flexible robust skid comprises a containerized demand reception point having the digital asset disposed within the housing.

[0101] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising: moving the containerized demand reception point from a first location to a second location different from the first location.

[0102] A method according to any preceding clause, wherein the digital asset comprises at least one of a data center, digital factory equipment, and a computing unit.

[0103] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising operating the containerized demand reception point within a proximity of about 0 meters to about 500 meters of the one or more power generation devices.

[0104] A method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more power generation devices include a renewable power generation device, and wherein the method further comprises: generating a renewable power output using the renewable power generation device, the renewable power output forming part of the total power station power; and adjusting the flexible firm demand based on the size of the renewable power output.

[0105] A method according to any preceding clause, wherein the power plant operates within a maximum efficiency range under base load conditions, and wherein the method further comprises: operating the power plant under base load conditions; and adjusting the operation of the flexible stability skid to adjust the flexible stability demand when the total power plant power exceeds the sum of the grid demand and the auxiliary demand to maintain operation of the power plant under base load conditions.

[0106] A method according to any preceding clause, wherein the method further comprises: reducing or eliminating the flexible stability demand by adjusting operation of the flexible stability skid when the grid demand exceeds a power threshold.

[0107] A power station, the power station comprising: one or more power generation devices; one or more auxiliary equipment, the one or more auxiliary equipment is mechanically, thermally or fluidically connected to the one or more power generation devices and arranged in the power station system, the one or more auxiliary equipment is configured to generate auxiliary demand; a flexible and stable skid block, the flexible and stable skid block is arranged in the power station system, the flexible and stable skid block is configured to generate flexible and stable demand; a controller, the controller is operably connected to the one or more power generation devices, the one or more auxiliary equipment and the flexible and stable skid block, the controller comprises a memory and one or more processors, the memory stores instructions, the instructions are executed by the one or more processors When executed by a processor, the power station performs one or more operations including the following: generating total power station electricity using one or more power generation devices; providing a first portion of the total power station electricity to one or more auxiliary equipment to meet auxiliary demand, the auxiliary demand being generated by operation of the one or more auxiliary equipment, the one or more auxiliary equipment being thermally, fluidically or mechanically connected to the one or more power generation devices; providing a second portion of the total power station electricity to a flexible and stable skid-mounted block disposed within the power station to meet a flexible and stable demand, the flexible and stable demand being generated by operation of the flexible and stable skid-mounted block; and providing a third portion of the total power station electricity to a power grid outside the power station.

[0108] A power plant according to any preceding clause, wherein the flexible stable skid is not mechanically, thermally or fluidly coupled to the one or more power generation devices.

[0109] A power plant as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the power plant operates within a maximum efficiency range under base load conditions, wherein the power plant generates a base load power output under said base load conditions, and wherein one or more operations further include: generating a flexible firm demand between about 1% and about 50% of said base load power output of said power plant to maintain said maximum efficiency range.

[0110] A power plant according to any preceding clause, wherein the flexible robust skid comprises a containerised demand reception point having the digital asset arranged within the housing.

[0111] A power plant as described in any preceding clause, wherein the digital asset comprises at least one of a data center, digital plant equipment, and a computing unit.

[0112] A power plant as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the containerised demand reception point is arranged within a proximity of about 0 metres to about 500 metres of the one or more power generation devices.

[0113] A power station according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more power generation devices include a renewable power generation device, and wherein the one or more operations further include: generating a renewable power output using the renewable power generation device, wherein the renewable power output forms part of the total power station power; and adjusting the flexible firm demand based on the size of the renewable power output.

[0114] A power plant according to any preceding clause, wherein the power plant operates within a maximum efficiency range under base load conditions, and wherein one or more operations further include: operating the power plant under base load conditions to generate a base load power output; and adjusting the operation of the flexible stability skid to adjust the flexible stability demand when the total power plant power exceeds the sum of the grid demand and the auxiliary demand to maintain operation of the power plant under base load conditions.

[0115] A power plant as described in any preceding clause, wherein when the grid demand exceeds a power threshold, the one or more operations include reducing or eliminating the flexible stability demand by adjusting operation of the flexible stability skid.

[0116] A method of operating a power plant, the method comprising: generating total plant power using one or more power generation devices; providing a first portion of the total plant power to one or more auxiliary devices to meet auxiliary demand, the auxiliary demand being generated by operation of the one or more auxiliary devices, the one or more auxiliary devices being thermally, fluidically or mechanically coupled to the one or more power generation devices; providing a second portion of the total plant power to a flexible and stable skid disposed within the power plant to meet a flexible and stable demand, the flexible and stable demand being generated by operation of the flexible and stable skid; and providing a third portion of the total plant power to a power grid external to the power plant to meet grid demand; receiving an increase in the grid demand that exceeds the power ramp rate of the one or more power generation devices; and adjusting the operation of the flexible and stable skid to modify the flexible and stable demand in response to the increase in the grid demand.

[0117] The method of any preceding clause, wherein receiving the increase in demand on the grid further comprises receiving an increase in demand on the grid greater than about 10 megawatts (MW).

[0118] A method according to any preceding clause, wherein the one or more power generation devices include a gas turbine, and wherein the power ramp rate of the gas turbine is between about 10 megawatts per minute (MW / min) and about 60 MW / min.

[0119] A method according to any preceding clause, wherein the one or more power generation devices include a gas turbine having a maximum rated power output, and wherein the power ramp rate of the gas turbine is between about 8% per minute of the maximum rated power output and about 12% per minute of the maximum rated power output.

[0120] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein adjusting the operation of the flexible stability skid further comprises reducing the flexible stability demand by adjusting the operation of the flexible stability skid in response to the increase in the grid demand.

[0121] A method according to any preceding clause, wherein adjusting the operation of the flexible stability skid further comprises: adjusting the operation of the flexible stability skid in response to the increase in grid demand, reducing the flexible stability demand by an amount approximately equal to the increase in grid demand.

[0122] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein adjusting the operation of the flexible stability skid further comprises eliminating the flexible stability demand by shutting down the operation of the flexible stability skid in response to the increase in grid demand.

[0123] A method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the power plant operates within a maximum efficiency range under base load conditions, wherein the power plant generates a base load power output under the base load conditions, and wherein the method further comprises: generating a flexible firm demand between about 1% and about 50% of the base load power output of the power plant to maintain the maximum efficiency range.

[0124] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising reducing the flexible firming demand in response to the increase in grid demand to maintain a base load condition at the power station and meet the increase in grid demand.

[0125] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein the flexible robust skid comprises a containerized demand reception point having the digital asset disposed within the housing.

[0126] A power station, the power station comprising: a power generation device; one or more auxiliary equipment, the one or more auxiliary equipment being connected to the one or more power generation devices in at least one of a mechanical, thermal or fluid manner, the one or more auxiliary equipment being configured to generate auxiliary demand; a flexible and stable skid block, the flexible and stable skid block being arranged in the power station, the flexible and stable skid block being configured to generate flexible and stable demand; a controller, the controller being operably connected to the one or more thermal power generation devices, the one or more auxiliary equipment and the flexible and stable skid block, the controller comprising a memory and one or more processors, the memory storing instructions, the instructions being executed by the one or more processors When executed by a processor, the power plant performs one or more operations including: generating total plant power using the one or more power generation devices; providing a first portion of the total plant power to the one or more auxiliary equipment to meet auxiliary needs; providing a second portion of the total plant power to a flexible and stable skid disposed within the power plant to meet the flexible and stable needs; and providing a third portion of the total plant power to a power grid external to the power plant to meet grid needs; receiving an increase in the power ramp rate of the grid demand that exceeds the one or more power generation devices; and adjusting the operation of the flexible and stable skid in response to the increase in the grid demand to modify the flexible and stable needs.

[0127] A power plant as described in any preceding clause, wherein upon receiving the increase in demand on the grid, the one or more operations further comprise: receiving an increase in demand on the grid of greater than about 10 megawatts (MW).

[0128] A power plant according to any preceding clause, wherein the one or more power generation devices include a gas turbine, and wherein the power ramp rate of the gas turbine is between about 10 megawatts per minute (MW / min) and about 60 MW / min.

[0129] A power plant according to any preceding clause, wherein when adjusting the operation of the flexible stability skid, the one or more operations further comprise: reducing the flexible stability demand by adjusting the operation of the flexible stability skid in response to the increase in the grid demand.

[0130] According to the power plant described in any of the preceding clauses, when adjusting the operation of the flexible and stable skid-mounted block, the one or more operations also include: adjusting the operation of the flexible and stable skid-mounted block in response to the increase in the grid demand, reducing the flexible and stable demand by an amount approximately equal to the increase in the grid demand.

[0131] A power plant according to any preceding clause, wherein when adjusting the operation of the flexible stability skid, the one or more operations further comprise: eliminating the flexible stability demand by shutting down the operation of the flexible stability skid in response to the increase in the grid demand.

[0132] A power plant as described in any preceding clause, wherein the power plant operates within a maximum efficiency range under base load conditions, wherein the power plant generates a base load power output under the base load conditions, and wherein the one or more operations include: generating a flexible firm demand between about 1% and about 50% of the base load power output of the power plant to maintain the maximum efficiency range.

[0133] A power plant according to any preceding clause, wherein the flexible robust skid comprises a containerised demand reception point having the digital asset arranged within the housing.

[0134] A power plant as described in any preceding clause, wherein the digital asset comprises at least one of a data center, digital plant equipment, and a computing unit.

[0135] A power plant as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the containerised demand reception point is arranged within a proximity of about 0 metres to about 500 metres of the one or more thermal power generation devices.

[0136] A method for operating a power plant, the method comprising: generating total plant power using one or more power generation devices; supplying a backup power output using a backup power source; providing a first portion of the total plant power to one or more auxiliary devices to meet auxiliary demand, the auxiliary demand being generated by operation of the one or more auxiliary devices, the one or more auxiliary devices being thermally, fluidically or mechanically connected to the one or more power generation devices; providing a second portion of the total plant power and at least one of the backup power outputs to the flexible and stable skid to meet the flexible and stable demand, the flexible and stable demand being generated by operation of the flexible and stable skid; and providing a third portion of the total plant power to a power grid external to the power plant to meet grid demand.

[0137] A method as in any preceding clause, wherein providing at least one of the second portion and the backup power output further comprises providing both the second portion of the total plant power and the backup power output to the flexible robust skid to meet the flexible robust demand.

[0138] A method as in any preceding clause, further comprising adjusting a ratio of the second portion of the total plant power provided to the flexible robust skid to the backup power output based on a magnitude of the grid demand.

[0139] A method according to any preceding clause, wherein the one or more power generation devices comprise a gas turbine, and wherein the method further comprises: starting the gas turbine at least in part using the backup power output.

[0140] A method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein starting the gas turbine at least partially utilizing the backup power output further comprises: providing the backup power output to an electric motor connected to a shaft of the gas turbine; rotating the shaft using the electric motor; and initiating combustion in a combustion section of the gas turbine.

[0141] A method according to any preceding clause, wherein the combustion section of the gas turbine is fluidly coupled to a fuel supply, and wherein the backup power source is fluidly coupled to the fuel supply.

[0142] A method according to any preceding clause, wherein the flexible and robust skid comprises a containerized demand reception point having digital assets disposed within an enclosure, and wherein the digital assets comprise at least one of a data center, digital factory equipment, and a computing unit.

[0143] A method according to any preceding clause, wherein the containerised demand reception point is arranged within a proximity of about 0 metres to about 500 metres of the gas turbine.

[0144] A power station, the power station comprising: one or more power generation devices, the one or more power generation devices being electrically connected to a power grid; one or more auxiliary equipment, the one or more auxiliary equipment being coupled to the one or more power generation devices at least one of mechanically, thermally or fluidly, the one or more auxiliary equipment being configured to generate auxiliary demand; a flexible and stable skid-mounted block, the flexible and stable skid-mounted block being arranged in the power station, the flexible and stable skid-mounted block comprising a containerized demand receiving point and a backup power source electrically connected to the containerized demand receiving point and the one or more power generation devices, the flexible and stable skid-mounted block being configured to generate flexible and stable demand; and a controller, the controller being operably connected to the gas turbine and the flexible and stable skid-mounted block, the controller comprising a memory and one or more processors, the memory storing instructions, the instructions being stored in a When executed by the one or more processors, the power station performs one or more operations including: generating total power station power using the one or more power generation devices; supplying backup power output using the backup power source; providing a first portion of the total power station power to one or more auxiliary devices to meet auxiliary demand, the auxiliary demand being generated by the operation of the one or more auxiliary devices, the one or more auxiliary devices being thermally, fluidically or mechanically connected to the one or more power generation devices; providing a second portion of the total power station power and at least one of the backup power outputs to the flexible and stable skid to meet the flexible and stable demand, the flexible and stable demand being generated by the operation of the flexible and stable skid; and providing a third portion of the total power station power to a power grid outside the power station to meet grid demand.

[0145] A power plant as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the one or more power generation devices comprise a gas turbine, and wherein the one or more operations further comprise starting the gas turbine at least in part using the reserve power output.

[0146] A power plant according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein when the gas turbine is started at least in part using the backup power output, the one or more operations also include: providing the backup power output to an electric motor connected to a shaft of the gas turbine; rotating the shaft using the electric motor; and initiating combustion in a combustion section of the gas turbine.

[0147] A power plant according to any preceding clause, wherein the combustion section of the gas turbine is fluidly coupled to a fuel supply system, and wherein the backup power source is fluidly coupled to the fuel supply system.

[0148] A power plant as described in any preceding clause, wherein the backup power source is fluidly coupled to an independent fuel supply.

[0149] A power plant according to any preceding clause, wherein the flexible robust skid comprises a containerised demand reception point having the digital asset arranged within the housing.

[0150] A power plant as described in any preceding clause, wherein the digital asset comprises at least one of a data center, digital plant equipment, and a computing unit.

[0151] A power plant as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the containerised demand reception point is arranged within a proximity of about 0 metres to about 500 metres of the gas turbine.

[0152] A power plant according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein when providing at least one of the second portion and the backup power output, the one or more operations also include: providing both the second portion of the total plant power and the backup power output to the flexible and stable skid to meet the flexible and stable demand.

[0153] A power plant as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the one or more operations comprise adjusting a ratio of the second portion of the total plant power provided to the flexible robust skid to the reserve power output based on a magnitude of the grid demand.

Claims

1. A method of operating a power plant, the method comprising: generating total plant power using one or more power generation devices; Utilize backup power supply to supply backup power output; providing a first portion of the total plant power to one or more auxiliary devices to meet an auxiliary demand generated by operation of the one or more auxiliary devices, the one or more auxiliary devices being one of thermally, fluidly, or mechanically coupled to the one or more power generation devices; providing at least one of a second portion of the total plant power and the backup power output to a flexible robustness skid to meet a flexible robustness demand generated by operation of the flexible robustness skid; as well as A third portion of the total plant power is provided to a power grid external to the power plant to meet grid demand.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein providing at least one of the second portion and the backup power output further comprises: The flexible robust skid is provided with both the second portion of the total plant power and the backup power output to meet the flexible robust demand.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: A ratio of the second portion of the total plant power provided to the flexible robust skid to the backup power output is adjusted based on a magnitude of the grid demand.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more power generation devices include a gas turbine, and wherein the method further comprises: The gas turbine is started at least in part using the backup electrical power output.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein starting the gas turbine at least in part using the backup power output further comprises: providing the backup power output to an electric motor coupled to a shaft of the gas turbine; rotating the shaft using the electric motor; as well as Combustion is initiated in a combustion section of the gas turbine.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the combustion section of the gas turbine is fluidly coupled to a fuel supply, and wherein the backup power source is fluidly coupled to the fuel supply.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the flexible robust skid comprises a containerized demand receiving point having digital assets disposed within an enclosure, and wherein the digital assets comprise at least one of a data center, digital factory equipment, and a computing unit.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the containerized demand receiving point is disposed within a proximity of about 0 meters to about 500 meters of the gas turbine.

9. A power station, comprising: one or more power generation devices electrically connected to a power grid; one or more auxiliary devices at least one of mechanically, thermally, or fluidly coupled to the one or more power generation devices, the one or more auxiliary devices configured to generate an auxiliary demand; A flexible and stable skid-mounted block, the flexible and stable skid-mounted block is arranged in the power station, the flexible and stable skid-mounted block comprises a containerized demand receiving point and a backup power supply electrically connected to the containerized demand receiving point and the one or more power generation devices, and the flexible and stable skid-mounted block is configured to generate flexible and stable demand; and a controller operably connected to the gas turbine and the flexible stable skid, the controller comprising a memory and one or more processors, the memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the power plant to perform one or more operations including: generating total plant power using the one or more power generation devices; utilizing the backup power supply to supply a backup power output; providing a first portion of the total plant power to one or more auxiliary devices to meet an auxiliary demand generated by operation of the one or more auxiliary devices, the one or more auxiliary devices being one of thermally, fluidly, or mechanically coupled to the one or more power generation devices; providing at least one of a second portion of the total plant power and the backup power output to the flexible robustness skid to meet the flexible robustness demand generated by operation of the flexible robustness skid; as well as A third portion of the total plant power is provided to a power grid external to the power plant to meet grid demand.

10. The power plant of claim 9, wherein the one or more power generation devices include a gas turbine, and wherein the one or more operations further comprise: The gas turbine is started at least in part using the backup electrical power output.

11. The power plant of claim 10, wherein upon starting the gas turbine at least in part using the backup power output, the one or more operations further comprise: providing the backup power output to an electric motor coupled to a shaft of the gas turbine; rotating the shaft using the electric motor; as well as Combustion is initiated in a combustion section of the gas turbine.

12. The power plant of claim 11, wherein the combustion section of the gas turbine is fluidly coupled to a fuel supply system, and wherein the backup power source is fluidly coupled to the fuel supply system.

13. The power plant of claim 9, wherein the backup power source is fluidly coupled to an independent fuel supply.

14. The power plant of claim 9, wherein the flexible robust skid comprises a containerized demand receiving point having a digital asset disposed within a housing.

15. The power plant of claim 14, wherein the digital asset comprises at least one of a data center, digital plant equipment, and a computing unit.

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