Modeling and control of gas cycle power plant operation using variant control profile

Abstract

To provide a method for controlling a variety of attributes of CCPP, a program product, and a system.SOLUTION: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method for operating a combined cycle power plant (CCPP). The method may include creating a variant control profile for the CCPP for a power plant model of the CCPP. The method may include modifying the variant control profile in response to the variant control profile not reducing the fuel consumption or meeting the quality threshold. The method may also include adjusting the CCPP to use the variant control profile in response to the variant control profile reducing the fuel consumption and meeting the quality threshold. Using the variant control profile adjusts a turbine section inlet temperature schedule or an exhaust temperature schedule for the CCPP.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to modeling and control of power plants. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to modeling and control of power plants. Transformation An operational methodology is provided for modeling and controlling a power plant by modeling and analyzing control profiles. [Background technology]

[0002] A power plant typically includes a variety of different turbomachines and / or systems used to generate electrical power output. Two conventional power generation systems used to generate electrical power include gas turbine systems and combined cycle power plants, which typically include gas turbine systems. Conventional combined cycle power plants employ one or more gas turbine systems operably coupled to one or more steam turbine systems. The gas turbine system includes a compressor coupled to the gas turbine. The gas turbine is typically coupled to and drives external components, such as a generator, to generate a load or electrical power output. The steam turbine system includes a high pressure (HP) turbine section operably coupled to an intermediate pressure (IP) turbine section, which is coupled to a low pressure (LP) turbine. As with the gas turbines of the gas turbine system, the HP, IP, and LP turbines are used to drive external components (e.g., generators). In a typical combined cycle power plant, exhaust gas from the gas turbine is sent to a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG), which may be used to generate and reheat steam for the various turbines of the steam turbine system to increase the efficiency of the system and / or the power plant. Downstream of the HRSG, the exhaust gases are discharged through a stack to the atmosphere.

[0003] The increasing availability of alternative energy sources, such as various forms of renewable energy, has also increased the complexity of combined cycle power plant operation. Fluctuations in power generation demand in combined cycle power plants often require the system to shift between different load conditions, varying the amount of power generated over time. Operation of the power plant at different loads may affect several attributes of the power plant, including the internal temperatures of various components and / or fuel consumption. In some cases, continued operation at different loads may adversely affect the efficiency or useful life of some components. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A first aspect of the disclosure provides a method for operating a combined cycle power plant (CCPP), the method including: operating the CCPP at ambient and load conditions; generating a power plant model of the CCPP for operating at the ambient and load conditions; modeling fuel consumption using a baseline control profile and the power plant model of the CCPP at the ambient and load conditions; Transformation Creating a control profile and using the power plant model Transformation Does the control profile meet the quality threshold for the CCPP? No or no determining whether or not the quality threshold includes at least the fuel efficiency of the CCPP; Transformation Depending on the control profile, Transformation Modifying the control profile and meeting quality thresholds Transformation Depending on the control profile, Transformation adjusting the CCPP to use a control profile, Transformation The control profile includes adjusting a turbine section inlet temperature schedule or an exhaust temperature schedule for the CCPP.

[0005] A second aspect of the disclosure provides a program product stored on a computer-readable storage medium for operating a combined cycle power plant (CCPP), the computer-readable storage medium including: programming a computer system to operate the CCPP at ambient and load conditions; generate a power plant model of the CCPP for operation at the ambient and load conditions; model fuel consumption using a baseline control profile and the power plant model of the CCPP at the ambient and load conditions; and generate a power plant model for the CCPP. Transformation Creating a control profile and using the power plant model Transformation Does the control profile meet the quality threshold for the CCPP? No or no determining whether or not the quality threshold includes at least the fuel efficiency of the CCPP; Transformation Depending on the control profile, Transformation Modifying the control profile and meeting quality thresholds Transformation Depending on the control profile, Transformation adjusting the CCPP to use a control profile, Transformation The control profile has program code for performing actions including adjusting a turbine section inlet temperature schedule or an exhaust temperature schedule for the CCPP.

[0006] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a steam turbine including at least a gas turbine, a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG), a steam turbine (ST), and Condensate and a system controller in communication with a gas turbine and a HRSG of the CCPP, the system controller operating the CCPP at ambient and load conditions, generating a power plant model of the CCPP for operating at the ambient and load conditions, modeling fuel consumption using a baseline control profile and the power plant model of the CCPP at the ambient and load conditions, and calculating a fuel consumption for the CCPP. Transformation Create a control profile and use the power plant model to TransformationDoes the control profile meet the quality threshold for the CCPP? No or no wherein the quality threshold includes at least the fuel efficiency of the CCPP, and Transformation Depending on the control profile, Transformation Modifying the control profile and meeting the quality threshold Transformation Depending on the control profile, Transformation adjusting the CCPP to use a control profile, Transformation The control profile is operable to adjust a turbine section inlet temperature schedule or an exhaust temperature schedule for the CCPP.

[0007] The illustrative aspects of the present disclosure are designed to solve the problems described herein and / or other problems not discussed.

[0008] These and other features of the present disclosure will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system having a combined cycle power plant (CCPP) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an expanded schematic diagram of a system and a CCPP according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary computing environment operable to control a CCPP in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exemplary flow diagram of a method for operating a CCPP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 1 is an exemplary plot of gas turbine inlet (or "light-off") temperature versus load in a CCPP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6]1 is an exemplary plot of gas turbine exit (or "exhaust") temperature versus load in a CCPP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is an exemplary plot of inlet guide vane angle (ΘIGV) versus load in a CCPP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 is an exemplary plot of desuperheater fluid flow (QAtt) versus load in a CCPP in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1 is an exemplary plot of change in heating value (ΔHR) versus load for a variant control profile in a CCPP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] It should be noted that the drawings of the present disclosure are not drawn to scale. The drawings are intended to illustrate only typical aspects of the present disclosure and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In the drawings, like numbers represent like elements between the drawings.

[0011] As a first issue, in order to clearly explain the state of the art, it becomes necessary to select specific terminology when referring to and describing the various systems, components, and related machine components in other embodiments of the present disclosure. Wherever possible, common industry terminology is used and utilized with the same meaning as its accepted meaning. Unless otherwise noted, such terminology should be given a broad interpretation consistent with the context of this application and the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in many cases, a particular component may be referred to using several different or overlapping terms. What may be described herein as being a single part may include and be referred to in other contexts as being made up of multiple components. Alternatively, what may be described herein as including multiple components may be referred to elsewhere as a single part.

[0012] In addition, certain descriptive terms may be used in the present specification in an orderly manner, as described below: The terms "first," "second," and "third" may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another, and are not intended to denote the location or importance of the individual components.

[0013] The terminology used herein is merely for the purpose of describing certain embodiments and is not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprise" and / or "comprising" as used herein specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or sets thereof. "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and the description includes instances in which the event occurs and instances in which it does not occur.

[0014] When an element or layer is referred to as "on," "engaged," "connected," or "coupled" to another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, or coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as "directly on," "directly engaged," "directly connected," or "directly coupled" to another element or layer, there may not be intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted similarly (e.g., "directly between" versus "between," "directly adjacent to" versus "directly adjacent to," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0015] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, program products, and systems for controlling various attributes of a combined cycle power plant (CCPP) to compensate for transient load operation, i.e., power output from the CCPP that varies with respect to time. Embodiments of the present disclosure may include, for example, generating a power plant model of the CCPP for operation at ambient and load conditions. Generating such a model may include verifying accuracy of the model based on current and / or historical operating data for the CCPP. The method may include using the model to model fuel consumption of the CCPP using a baseline control profile and then defining alternative operating and / or control settings for several loads. Transformation and creating a control profile. Transformation Does the control profile meet one or more quality thresholds for the CCPP? No or no and if these requirements are met, Transformationand adjusting the CCPP to use the control profile. Adjusting the CCPP may include adjusting variables such as turbine inlet temperature (also known in the art as "light-off temperature"), exhaust temperature, and / or other variables that affect the power output and operating characteristics of the CCPP.

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a system 10 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the system 10 may include a combined cycle power plant 12 (hereinafter, "CCPP 12") including a steam turbine (ST) system 18, which in the illustrated diagram may include a high pressure (HP) section 24, an intermediate pressure (IP) section 20, and a low pressure (LP) section 22, as known in the art. The HP section 24, the IP section 20, and the LP section 22 of the ST system 18 may be coupled to and / or positioned and / or configured to rotate a shaft 26 to generate mechanical work and / or drive additional components of the ST system 18. As shown in FIG. 1, the shaft 26 of the ST system 18 may be coupled to and / or drive an external component, more specifically, a generator 28 configured to generate electricity and / or generate a load.

[0017] The CCPP 12 may further include a gas turbine (GT) system 30. The GT system 30 may include a compressor 32. The compressor 32 compresses an incoming flow of fluid 34 (e.g., air) flowing through the compressor 32. The compressor 32 may include multiple stages of stator vanes (not shown) and rotating blades (not shown) positioned within the compressor 32. The stator vanes and rotating blades positioned within the compressor 32 may be configured to assist in moving and / or passing the fluid 34 through the compressor 32. The compressor 32 may include a series of inlet guide vanes (IGVs) 36. The IGVs 36 are a type of vane that is specifically configured to guide the incoming flow of working fluid to the rotating blades of the compressor 32. The IGVs 36 may be adjustable between a number of positions to affect the flow rate, angle of incidence, and / or other properties of the fluid entering the compressor 32. Thus, the IGV 36 may be capable of affecting the temperature of the compressor 32, the power output from the GT system 30, and / or other characteristics. The compressor 32 delivers a flow of compressed fluid 38 (e.g., compressed air) to a combustor 40. The combustor 40 mixes the flow of compressed fluid 38 with a pressurized flow of fuel 42 provided by a fuel supply 44 and ignites the mixture to generate a flow of combustion gases 46. The flow of combustion gases 46 is then delivered to a turbine component 48 that, like the compressor 32, typically includes multiple stages of stator vanes (not shown) and turbine blades (not shown). The flow of combustion gases 46 drives the turbine component 48 to generate mechanical work. The mechanical work generated in the turbine component 48 can be used to drive the compressor 32 via a shaft 50, drive a generator 52 (e.g., an external component) configured to generate electricity and / or generate a load.

[0018] 1 as including a dual shaft configuration in which two separate generators 28, 52 are utilized, it is understood that in other non-limiting examples, the ST system 18 and the GT system 30 may share a single shaft and then a single generator. Additionally, while the CCPP 12 is shown as including only a single ST system 18 and a single GT system 30, it is understood that the CCPP 12 may include multiple ST systems 18 and / or GT systems 30 that can be configured to generate an operational load and / or power output.

[0019] The CCPP 12 may further include a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) 54 in fluid communication with the ST system 18 (e.g., the HP section 24 and / or the IP section 20 and / or the LP section 22) and the GT system 30. As shown in the non-limiting example of FIG. 1, the HRSG 54 may be in fluid communication and / or coupled with the ST system 18 via a supply conduit 58 and may provide steam to portions of the ST system 18 via the supply conduit 58. Additionally, in the non-limiting example of FIG. 1, the HRSG 54 may be in fluid communication and / or coupled with the GT system 30 via an exhaust channel 59 coupled to and / or in fluid communication with the turbine component 48. The exhaust channel 59 may provide an exhaust fluid 60 (e.g., gas) from the GT system 30 to the HRSG 54 for utilization in generating and / or heating steam for the ST system 18. The stack 61 of the HRSG 54 may exhaust or vent (excess or spent) gases (eg, exhaust fluids 60 ) and / or fluids from the HRSG 54 to the atmosphere and / or outside the CCPP 12 .

[0020] CCPP12 is Condensate The device may further include a container 62 . Condensate The vessel 62 may be in fluid communication with and / or may be fluidly coupled to various components of the CCPP 12. Condensate The vessel 62 may be fluidly connected and / or coupled to the LP portion 22 of the ST system 18 via a steam exhaust duct 64 . Condensate The exhaust 62 may be configured to receive exhaust and / or bypass flows from the ST system 18 and / or HRSG 54 (e.g., the HP24) as known in the art. Condensate 62) to condense the condensed fluid (e.g., Condensate ) to the HRSG 54.

[0021] 1, the system 10 may include at least one computing device 66 configured to generate (i.e., create and validate) a power plant model and / or directly control the operation of the CCPP 12. The computing device 66 may be wired and / or wirelessly connected to and / or in communication with the CCPP 12 and its various components (e.g., the ST system 18, the GT system 30, and the HRSG 54, etc.) via any suitable electronic and / or mechanical communication components or techniques. The computing device 66 and its various components discussed herein may be a single standalone system functioning separately from another power plant control system (e.g., a computing device) (not shown) that may control and / or coordinate the operation and / or functionality of the CCPP 12 and its various components (e.g., the ST system 18, the GT system 30, etc.). Alternatively, the computing device 66 and its components may be integrally formed within, in communication with, and / or formed as part of a larger power plant control system (e.g., computing device) (not shown) that can control and / or coordinate the operation and / or functionality of the CCPP 12 and its various components (e.g., ST system 18, GT system 30, etc.).

[0022] In various embodiments, the computing device 66 can generate (i.e., create and / or validate) a power plant model 68 of the CCPP 12. The power plant model 68 can model or simulate many aspects of the operation of the CCPP 12, including the performance, economic variables, environmental data, and / or other attributes of the CCPP 12. In some examples, the power plant model 68 may be known or referred to as a “digital twin” or “digital model,” with such terms being understood to be specific forms of the power plant model 68 in various embodiments. The computing device 66 can be communicatively coupled to one or more sensors 70, as described herein, to provide input data for modeling and / or controlling the CCPP 12. The computing device 66 can generate and / or modify the power plant model 68, as discussed herein. The computing device 66 can control the CCPP 12 and / or various components thereof to affect the operation of the CCPP 12 in response to analysis and / or output from the power plant model 68, as discussed below. For example, as discussed herein, the power plant model 68 may simulate various operating characteristics and / or settings of the CCPP 12 (including the ST system 18, the GT system 30, the HRSG 54, etc.) and the components included therein to control the operation of the system 10 and / or affect various attributes thereof.

[0023] In some cases, the computing device 66 may include an operational control program ("Ops. control program") 72 for interacting with and / or controlling various aspects of the system 12. The operational control program 72 may take the form of any now known or later developed control system for managing the operation of a power plant, such as a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller for managing the transient operation of the CCPP 12. The operational control program 72 may additionally or alternatively include a PID subsystem configured to selectively operate during various power generation modes of the CCPP 12. A PID controller or subsystem refers to a system configured to continuously calculate an error value as the difference between a desired target value and one or more predetermined variables. In the case of a PID controller, the operational control program 72 may operate by detecting variances between one or more variables and corresponding targets (e.g., in the power plant model 68) and applying corrective adjustments, i.e., instructions to change one or more properties of the CCPP 12, such as component temperatures, valve positions, and / or other adjustable operating parameters. According to one example, a corrective adjustment by the operational control program 72 may, for example, modify an instruction by the computing device 66 to adjust a valve to control fuel flow to a 90% capacity position to a corrective instruction to adjust the valve to a 70% capacity position to reduce the light-off temperature and / or firing rate of the GT system 30. Thus, the operational control program 72 may augment or mitigate corrective actions output from other algorithms and / or controllers of the CCPP 12 and / or modify the CCPP 12 to use settings of the power plant model 68. However, when implemented, the corrective adjustment by the operational control program 72 may be calculated from variables and targets based on proportional, integral, and derivative terms using variables in the power plant model 68, variables measured by the sensors 70, and / or other information in the computing device 66 and / or other devices in communication therewith.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1 , the computing device 66 may include and / or be in electrical and / or mechanical communication with sensors 70, as well as many other additional and / or intermediate components such as valves, solenoids, actuators, converters, etc. (not shown) positioned throughout the system 10. As shown in the non-limiting example of FIG. 1 and discussed herein, at least one sensor 70 of and / or connected to the computing device 66 may be positioned within the ST system 18, the GT system 30, the HRSG 54, and / or one or more sub-components of the system 10, as discussed elsewhere herein. The sensor 70 in communication with the computing device 66 of the system 10 may be any suitable sensor or device configured to detect and / or determine data, information, and / or operating characteristics related to the CCPP 12 during operation. For example, as discussed herein, the sensor 70 positioned within the HRSG 54 of the CCPP 12 may be any suitable sensor configured to detect and / or determine properties of the working fluid (e.g., steam, exhaust fluid 60). Such properties may include working fluid temperature within portions and / or components of the HRSG 54 including the ST system 18 and / or the GT system 30, temperatures of components of the HRSG 54 of the CCPP 12, and / or steam flow measurements of steam flowing through the HRSG 54. In non-limiting examples, the sensor 70 may be configured as, without limitation, a thermometer, a thermistor, a thermocouple, and / or any other mechanical / electrical temperature sensor.

[0025] Although a series of three sensors 70 are shown, it is understood that the system 10 may include a greater number of sensors 70 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 ) that may be configured to provide information or data regarding the temperature or pressure of the fluids and components contained within the HRSG 54, and / or fluid flow measurements to the computing device 66, and specifically, the operational control program 72. The number of sensors 70 shown in FIG. 1 is merely exemplary and not limiting. Thus, the system 10 may include a greater or lesser number of sensors 70 than are illustrated in FIG. 1 or other figures.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 2, an expanded schematic diagram of the system 10 (FIG. 1) is shown to further illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure. The system 10 may include, for example, an ST system 18 and a GT system 30 mounted together on a shaft 26. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide operational methodologies, as well as related program products and systems, for operation of the CCPP 12 at various load rates (i.e., "load conditions") and various ambient conditions. In some cases, the CCPP 12 may operate at a sustained load that provides a constant power output to meet all or a portion of a customer's requirements within a predetermined power generation boundary determined based on the design specifications of the CCPP 12. In other cases, the CCPP 12 may operate at a non-sustained load rate under conditions that differ from the operating specifications of the CCPP 12, at least for a threshold period of time. The various load conditions may be selected to meet various customer requirements for the CCPP 12.

[0027] As the power grid diversifies to include more diverse sources of power, operation of the CCPP 12 or other systems at fixed load conditions is becoming less common. However, conventional implementations of the CCPP 12 may not be configured to operate in such settings for extended periods of time. The CCPP 12 may operate primarily in transient operating settings, in some cases when used on the same grid as alternative sources of power, such as solar, wind, geothermal, etc. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methodologies for modeling and controlling the operation of the CCPP 12 to maintain desired parameters and / or efficiency levels when operating under conditions different than those contemplated in the design specifications.

[0028] The embodiments of the present disclosure also consider differences in operation of the CCPP 12 under different "ambient conditions", i.e., differences in temperature, pressure, and / or other attributes of the setting in which the CCPP 12 is operating. For example, the CCPP 12 may be operating in a region where the temperature is between about 15 degrees Celsius (°C) and 25°C. The embodiments of the present disclosure may distinguish between different ambient conditions based on a predetermined temperature range (e.g., of about 5°C) above and below another ambient condition. Thus, "ambient conditions" refers to the characterization of external variables (temperature, pressure, etc.) within a particular embodiment, not within user control. Higher temperatures may affect variables such as inlet temperature, exhaust temperature, fluid flow, heat generation, etc., throughout the various subcomponents of the CCPP 12. Similar variations in the above and / or other variables of the CCPP 12 may result from higher or lower operating pressures. In either case, the variations caused by the ambient conditions of the CCPP 12 may be independent of the load conditions of the CCPP 12.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the system 10 may include a CCPP 12 operating under various load and / or ambient conditions. As the power output of the CCPP 12 varies across operating conditions, the CCPP may generate its maximum power output, reduced power output, and the like. In such cases, the power generated by the systems 18, 30 may cause the sub-components of each system 18, 30 to exhibit sustained temperatures, pressures, flow rates, and the like that differ significantly from their intended values. In an exemplary implementation, the exhaust temperature of the turbine component 48 may be significantly higher than the upper limit of the range of the target exhaust temperature. This situation may be associated with undesirable results, such as a higher than expected temperature of the fluid flowing through the HRSG 54. In a conventional setup, one or more desuperheaters 74 herein divert water from the HRSG 54 to cool the fluid. Water diverted to the HRSG 54 by the desuperheaters 74 may result in operational inefficiencies as the diverted water is unavailable for use by the HRSG 54, and more generally, the CCPP 12, for steam generation.

[0030] To improve operation under various ambient and / or load conditions, the computing device 66 and / or the operational control system 72 coupled to the systems 18, 30 may adjust the control profile of the GT system 30 in response to the power plant model 68, thereby varying parameters such as ignition temperature, exhaust temperature, etc., during its operation. TransformationThe control profile may be implemented, for example, by direct cooling of the turbine components 48, reducing the firing temperature of the combustor 40, and / or other actions discussed herein to reduce the exhaust temperature while maintaining a similar or the same power output. The generation and validation of the power plant model 68 may then be based on monitoring and modeling the firing rate, exhaust temperature, and / or heat value in the turbine components 48 based on load and ambient conditions, and further modeling other parameters of the GT system 30 based on the modeled variables. In various embodiments, the operational control system 72 may modify additional operating parameters, such as the position of the IGVs 36, the flow of fluid through the inlet bleed heat (IBH) lines 76, and / or other operating parameters, to further increase the efficiency of the CCPP 12 and / or operationally align the CCPP 12 with the power plant model 68.

[0031] 2 and 3 , an exemplary environment 150 for operating system 10 and its subcomponents is shown along with a simplified diagram of CCPP 12. As shown, environment 150 can include a computing device 66 that can include memory 152 on which CCPP system 154 operates. CCPP system 154 can be a software system that integrates features of power plant model 68 and / or operational control program 72 as its subsystems. In further examples, power plant model 68 and / or operational control program 72 can be independent of each other and / or implemented using different computing devices 66. Computing device 66 can be a separate component as shown or can be included as part of power plant model 68 as previously described. Environment 150 shown in FIG. 3 represents one type of configuration for controlling CCPP 12. As discussed herein, power plant model 68 of computing device 66 can simulate the operation of CCPP 12 while operating at a range of ambient and load conditions. Operational control program 72 can be implemented using, for example, the power plant model 68 output from power plant model 68. Transformation3 may include components for modifying the operation of CCPP 12 by providing and implementing control profiles. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be configured or operated, in part, by a technician, a computing device 66, and / or a combination of a technician and a computing device 66. It is understood that some of the various components illustrated in FIG. 3 may be independently implemented, combined, and / or stored in memory for one or more separate computing devices included in computing device 66. Additionally, it is understood that some of the components and / or functions may not be implemented or additional schema and / or functions may be included as part of CCPP system 154.

[0032] The computing device 66 may include a processor unit (PU) 158, an input / output (I / O) interface 160, a memory 152, and a bus 164. Additionally, the computing device 66 is shown to communicate with an external I / O device 166 and a storage system 168. The CCPP system 154 may provide a power plant model 68, which may operate using various modules 202 (e.g., calculators, determiners, comparators, etc.) for implementing various functions and / or logical steps. The CCPP system 154 may additionally or alternatively provide the motion control program 72 with its own set of modules 212 (e.g., calculators, determiners, comparators, etc.) for implementing each function and / or step of the motion control program 72. The various modules 202, 212 may use algorithm-based calculations, look-up tables, and similar tools stored in the memory 152 to process, analyze, and manipulate data to implement their respective functions. In general, the PU 158 may execute computer program code that executes software, such as the CCPP system 154, which may be stored in the memory 152 and / or the storage system 168. While executing the computer program code, the PU 158 may read and write data to the memory 152, the storage system 168, and / or the I / O interface 160. The bus 164 may provide a communication link between each of the components within the computing device 66. The I / O devices 166 may comprise any device that allows a user to interact with the computing device 66 or that allows the computing device 66 to communicate with the appliances described herein and / or other computing devices. The I / O devices 166 (including, but not limited to, keyboards, displays, pointing devices, etc.) may be coupled to the computing device 66 either directly or through an intervening I / O controller (not shown).

[0033] The memory 152 may also include various forms of data 220 relating to the CCPP 12, and more specifically, to the systems 18, 30 of the CCPP 12. As discussed elsewhere herein, the power plant model 68 may simulate operation of the CCPP 12 at particular ambient and / or load conditions, and the operational control program 72 may adjust the exhaust temperature, firing temperature, relative load, and / or other operating parameters of the CCPP 12 to generate one or more output values ​​from the power plant model 68. Transformation A control profile may be implemented. To implement a method according to the present disclosure, the CCPP system 154 may store and interact with data 220 subdivided into various fields. For example, the ambient condition field 222 may store data related to ambient conditions of the CCPP at various temperatures, pressures, and / or other environmental variables, independent of the specifications of the CCPP 12. The data 220 may also include a load condition field 224 for cataloging specification data for operation at various power levels, including fixed and non-fixed power. A set of control profiles for the CCPP 12 may be stored in a control profile field 226, which may include one or more sets of operating parameters (e.g., temperatures, pressures, flow rates) and / or ranges of these parameters that represent intended and / or safe operating settings of the components of the CCPP 12 at various ambient and / or load conditions. The value of each parameter stored in the control profile field 226 may be based, in some cases, on calibrated data and / or simulated values ​​from the power plant model 68 for one or more parameters during non-base load operation. It is therefore understood that the data 220 may include a number of measured and / or calculated variables that can be applied and / or stored in the control profile field 226 to control the operation of the CCPP 12. The data 220 may also include, for example, a minimum improvement to the performance of the CCPP 12 (e.g., heat value reduction, plant efficiency increase, fuel consumption reduction, plant capacity increase, etc.), compliance with emissions limits (e.g., NO Xemissions, CO emissions, etc.), compliance with operational stability limits (e.g. compressor operability limits, combustion stability limits, gas turbine light-off temperature, gas turbine exhaust temperature, turbine shaft torque limits of systems 18, 30, operational limits of HRSG 54, operational limits of ST system 18, Condensate The control profile may include a quality threshold field 228 for cataloging quality thresholds, such as temperature, pressure, and / or other operational quality metrics of the CCPP 12. As described herein, the quality threshold field 228 may define one or more parameters that the CCPP 12 must meet in order to shift from one control profile to another.

[0034] Computing device 66 may comprise any general-purpose computing product (e.g., a personal computer, a server, a handheld device, etc.) for executing computer program code installed by a user. However, it will be understood that computing device 66 is merely representative of various possible equivalent computing devices and / or technologies that may perform the various process steps of the present disclosure. In addition, computing device 66 may be part of a larger system architecture operable to model and / or control various aspects and elements of CCPP 12.

[0035] In this regard, in other embodiments, computing device 66 may comprise any special purpose computing product including hardware and / or computer program code for performing particular functions, any computing product including a combination of special purpose and general purpose hardware / software, etc. In either case, the program code and hardware may be created using standard programming and engineering techniques, respectively. In one embodiment, computing device 66 may include a program product stored in a computer readable storage device that may be operable, when executed, to automatically control elements of CCPP 12 (e.g., systems 18, 30, HRSG 54, etc.).

[0036] 2-4, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for operating the CCPP 12, for example, using a power plant model 68 and an operational control program 72. According to a particular example, FIG. 4 provides a flow diagram for controlling the operation of the CCPP 12 in the exemplary configuration shown, although control of the CCPP 12 in other configurations is also possible using the exemplary process flow embodiment shown in FIG. 4. Embodiments of the methodology described herein may be implemented using, for example, the power plant model 68 of the computing device 66 and the operational control system 72, and / or various modules and / or sub-components of the computing device 66, the power plant model 68, or the operational control system 72. Methods according to the present disclosure may also depend on other components, such as sensors 70 communicatively coupled to the computing device 66 and / or the power plant model 68, to measure and / or otherwise determine various parameters used as a basis for the processes discussed herein. As discussed herein, the environment 150 may be operable to model and regulate various operating parameters of the CCPP 12, for example, by modifying various operating parameters of the systems 18, 30, the HRSG 54, etc. to control the flow of fluids therethrough. In yet another embodiment, the power plant model 68 may include one or more estimators that modify, for example, the rate at which various parameters change over time and / or with respect to changes in power output. Transformation Creating a control profile may be operable to modify other instructions and / or actions taken via computing device 66 and / or power plant model 68. Although the example flow diagram of Figure 4 is shown with several processes organized into an example flow, it is understood that one or more processes may be performed simultaneously and / or sequentially and / or in any alternative order while maintaining various technical features described by the examples herein.

[0037] To begin the method according to the present disclosure, process P1 may include operating the CCPP 12 at specific load and ambient conditions. The load conditions may refer to the power output from the CCPP 12 during operation and may include fixed or non-fixed loads to accommodate various situations. As an example, the load conditions for the CCPP 12 may include peak load operation, base load operation, load reduction operation, variable load operation, and / or extended transient operation of the CCPP 12. The ambient conditions for operating the CCPP 12 may refer to external temperature, pressure, and / or other external variables that affect the operation of the CCPP 12. The ambient conditions of the CCPP 12 may include, for example, specification temperature operation, high temperature operation, low temperature operation, transient temperature operation, etc. Various load conditions, ambient conditions, and / or combinations thereof may cause the CCPP 12 to exhibit operating parameters (e.g., temperature, pressure, and flow rate) significantly different from their specification levels. Further processes according to the present disclosure can simulate the operation of CCPP 12 and, in some cases, modify the operation of CCPP 12 to prevent inefficient operation, greater than desired use of cooling fluid and / or components, and / or to avoid the adverse effects of operating outside of specified ranges.

[0038] During operation of CCPP 12, embodiments of the present disclosure may include generating a power plant model 68 of CCPP 12. As used herein, the term "generating" may include one or more processes for simulating operation of CCPP 12 under particular load and ambient conditions, modifying the existing power plant model 68 to "operating" conditions, correcting the existing power plant model 68 to "operating" conditions, adjusting the existing power plant model 68 to "operating" conditions, calibrating the existing power plant model 68 to "operating" conditions, and additionally or alternatively verifying the accuracy of the power plant model 68 based on concurrent operating data of CCPP 12 and / or other forms of data suitable for verifying the accuracy of the power plant model 68. In addition to validating the accuracy of the power plant model 68 based on concurrent operation data of the CCPP 12 and / or other forms of data suitable for validating the accuracy of the power plant model 68, if the validation is based on a comparison of the operation of the power plant model 68 and the CCPP 12, process P2 determines whether one or more modeled parameters of the CCPP 12 are similar (i.e., within or equal to a predetermined error range) to the parameters of the actual CCPP 12. No or no Based on this, is the power plant model 68 valid? No or no Such validation may additionally or alternatively include modifying the power plant model 68 to account for discrepancies between the model parameters and the parameters of the actual CCPP 12, and then verifying that the power plant model 68 is accurate after such adjustments have occurred. No or noand validating the power plant model 68. The terms "generating" and / or "modifying" with respect to the power plant model 68 also encompass actions such as "correcting or calibrating or adjusting or updating" the power plant model as CCPP plant performance changes over time, e.g., due to degradation, changes, upgrades, etc. In such cases, terms such as "operational adjusted power plant model" may refer to further modifying the existing model to reach a desired control profile. Thus, process P2 may determine whether the power plant model 68 is acceptably accurate based, for example, on meeting or exceeding a predetermined amount of accuracy (e.g., the percentage of modeled parameters that comply with CCPP12, optionally over a predetermined time interval). No or no The power plant model 68, once validated, may represent a baseline set of operating parameters for the CCPP 12.

[0039] An embodiment of the present disclosure may include modeling the fuel consumption of the CCPP 12 using the power plant model 68. The fuel consumption may be for a particular time interval for operating the CCPP 12, as well as the above-mentioned ambient and / or load conditions of the CCPP 12. The fuel consumption of the CCPP 12 may be expressed, for example, as a total amount of fuel expected to be consumed over a particular time interval at the modeled load and ambient conditions. Additionally or alternatively, the fuel consumption modeled in process P3 may be expressed as a percent efficiency, a percentage of fuel consumed relative to a desired level, other load and / or ambient conditions. Thus, the fuel consumption modeled in process P3 may include any conceivable metric for modeling the amount of fuel consumed by the CCPP 12.

[0040] Continuing with process P4, embodiments of the present disclosure use the power plant model 68 to Transformation This can include creating a control profile. TransformationThe control profile may be created in process P4 by any possible modeling action based on various operating parameters contained within and / or modeled by the power plant model 68. Transformation The control profile may include certain operating parameters and / or ranges of operating parameters that differ from current values ​​in the power plant model 68. Such parameters may include one or more of a firing temperature, an inlet temperature, an outlet temperature, an inlet guide vane (IGV) pitch angle, an inlet bleed heat (IBH) volume, a firing rate, etc. Transformation The control profile may, for example, include a load path of the CCPP 12 that differs from the actual load path of the operating CCPP 12. Such variation in the load path of the CCPP 12 may be any modified load path that does not violate the specification boundaries of the CCPP 12. Transformation The control profile may be biased based on the operation schedule of the CCPP 12, for example, to shift operation of the CCPP 12 and / or its subcomponents to higher or lower values ​​of exhaust temperature, light-off temperature, and the like. Transformation The magnitude or direction of parameter shifts in the control profile may be varied, for example, by random selection of bias size and / or direction, and / or by other methods that are more likely to improve the operation of CCPP12. Transformation The control profile may be determined by applying a predetermined logic to the control profile, which may be based on the power plant model 68, actual parameters of the CCPP 12, and / or other variables or models related to the CCPP 12.

[0041] Created by process P4 Transformation The control profile may include proposed temperature increases and / or decreases in the load paths of the CCPP 12. In some cases, decreasing the load path temperatures in the CCPP 12 may improve one or more quality thresholds of the CCPP 12. In such cases, TransformationThe control profile can improve the efficiency of the CCPP 12 by lowering the exhaust temperature / energy, thereby allowing less fluid through the desuperheater 74 and reducing fuel consumption at a fixed load. Such cases can include, for example, low loads where there is more exhaust flow through the CCPP 12, but lower exhaust temperatures in the ST system 10 and / or GT system 30. Other cases include: Transformation The control profile can increase the temperature in the load path of the CCPP12. Specifically, Transformation The control profile may suggest higher temperatures in the inlet, exhaust, and / or other sections of the ST system 10 and / or GT system 30. Such modifications may be desirable when the CCPP 12 operates at a higher load than specified. Some modifications may be made to improve efficiency, fuel consumption, system health, etc. Transformation Although control profiles may be possible at certain times, process P4 is optional to have a minimum predicted improvement before the power plant model is applied to the control of CCPP 12. Transformation A control profile may be required.

[0042] Transformation After the control profile is generated from the power plant model 68 in process P4, the method according to the present disclosure performs the control profile generation process using the power plant model 68 generated in process P4. Transformation Modify CCPP12 behavior based on control profile No or no In decision D1, the module 212 of the motion control program 72 determines whether the motion control program 72 is in a predetermined position. Transformation Does applying the control profile to CCPP12 continue to satisfy the quality thresholds for CCPP12 (e.g. maximum values ​​of temperature, pressure, fuel consumption, etc.)? No or no According to one example, the quality threshold can be determined by whether the fuel consumption by the CCPP 12 is reduced by at least a threshold amount. No or noIn this case, the reduction in fuel consumption may be defined as a percentage (e.g., at least about 1% reduction in fuel consumption over a specified time period). In a further example, the quality threshold may include additional threshold improvements to the operation of the CCPP 12, such as a minimum calorific value reduction, a minimum plant efficiency increase, compliance with emissions limits, and / or compliance with operational stability limits of the CCPP 12. An "emissions limit" may refer to a maximum allowable level of carbon dioxide and / or nitrogen oxides emission levels of the CCPP 12. An "operational stability limit" may refer to: Transformation The control profile may refer to the maximum amount by which the expected life of the CCPP 12 and / or its subcomponents is reduced and / or exceeds specification limits. As described herein, the quality threshold evaluated in decision D1 and stored in the quality threshold field 228 may be determined based on the minimum improvement to the performance of the CCPP 12 (e.g., reduced heat output, increased plant efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, increased plant capacity, etc.), compliance with emissions limits (e.g., reduced NOx, increased plant efficiency, increased plant capacity, etc.), and / or the maximum amount by which the control profile may reduce the expected life of the CCPP 12 and / or its subcomponents. X emissions, CO emissions, etc.), compliance with operational stability limits (e.g. compressor operability limits, combustion stability limits, gas turbine light-off temperature, gas turbine exhaust temperature, turbine shaft torque limits of systems 18, 30, operational limits of HRSG 54, operational limits of ST system 18, Condensate The metrics may include, for example, performance metrics, such as temperature, pressure, and / or other operational quality metrics of CCPP12.

[0043] Transformation If the control profile does not meet the quality threshold (i.e., "no" at decision D1), the method comprises: Transformation The method may proceed to process P5 of modifying the control profile. Such modifications may be random changes and / or may be based on a schedule of possible changes governed by logic within the power plant model 68 and / or may be based on the results of power plant model (e.g., "digital twin") based experiments and / or calculations. If the quality threshold is met (i.e., "yes" at decision D1), the method proceeds to: TransformationIt may continue with further operations to apply the control profile to the CCPP 12. In some cases, the method according to the present disclosure may include a predetermined number of operations. Transformation Control profiles (e.g., 5, 10, 50, or 100 or more) Transformation In such an example, the method may test only the control profile (D1). Transformation It may terminate ("Complete") after demonstrating that none of the control profiles meets the associated quality thresholds.

[0044] Transformation If the control profile meets the quality threshold, the method according to the present disclosure determines whether the motion control system 72 Transformation A process P6 may be included in which the motion control system 72 applies one or more modifications to an existing control profile so that the CCPP 12 adjusts the control profile to use the control profile. Transformation This may involve modifying one or more parameters defined in the control profile (e.g., temperatures such as light-off temperature, inlet temperature, exhaust temperature, etc.). In some cases, the operational control system 72 may adjust and / or modify the changed parameters based on one or more properties of the particular CCPP 12 unit being controlled. In either case, as the CCPP 12 continues to operate, the parameter being modified (e.g., temperature) may be biased substantially in real-time. After the CCPP 12 has been adjusted in process P6, the method may end ("Complete") and the CCPP 12 may: Transformation In a further example, the method may return to process P3 of modeling fuel consumption for the CCPP 12 using the power plant model 68 and generating new control profiles to iteratively improve the CCPP 12 as it continues to operate. Transformation The control profile can be used to repeat process P4 and decisions D1, D2. In some cases, embodiments of the method may be repeated after any significant changes to the load and / or ambient conditions of the CCPP 12.

[0045] In process P6 Transformation Adjusting CCPP12 to use the control profile is Transformation The adjustment may include one or more additional actions to provide a control profile and / or to further modify the CCPP 12. According to one example, the adjustment may include increasing or decreasing the flow of fluid through the desuperheater 74 to achieve a desired temperature increase or decrease within the CCPP 12. In another example, the adjustment may include adjusting the pitch angle of the IGVs 36, thereby changing the inlet temperature and / or the temperature of other fluidly connected components within the GT system 30. In yet another example, the adjustment may include adjusting the amount of compressor discharge fluid routed through the IBH line 76, thereby also modifying both the inlet and outlet temperatures of the compressor 32. In another example, the modification may include adjusting the steam output from the HRSG 54, thereby further modifying one or more temperatures within the ST system 18 and / or the GT system 30.

[0046] 3-5, embodiments of the present disclosure may be operable to modify the temperature-load curve of the CCPP 12 during operation, and thus may provide greater operational control of the CCPP 12 than conventional control systems. As discussed herein, the temperature-load profile of the CCPP 12 (shown as curve C1) may be approximately linear when the inlet (or "light-off") follows only a single control profile. A conventional temperature-load profile C1 may increase approximately linearly and / or at a decreasing rate from its initial value to its maximum value when operating according to its initial control profile. However, when operating according to a method in accordance with the present disclosure, the temperature-load profile of the CCPP 12 may increase approximately linearly and / or at a decreasing rate from its initial value to its maximum value when operating according to its initial control profile. TransformationApplying a control profile to the CCPP 12 can significantly alter the rate at which the inlet temperature changes with respect to the load of the CCPP 12. In one example, the modified temperature profile C2 can provide a reduced light-off temperature, which reduces the exhaust temperature within a corresponding range of power output (e.g., up to about 87% of maximum load), but can provide a higher light-off and therefore exhaust temperature at higher power outputs (e.g., above about 87% of maximum load). Thus, the control profile discussed in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be used to provide a reduced light-off temperature, which reduces the exhaust temperature within a corresponding range of power output (e.g., up to about 87% of maximum load). Transformation It is emphasized that the control profile does not simply reflect increasing or decreasing temperatures within various portions of the CCPP 12, but may include both higher and lower temperatures within certain components depending on the amount of load output.

[0047] With reference to Figs. 3, 4 and 6, Transformation Tuning the CCPP 12 to use a control profile reduces the outlet temperature (T exhaust , measured in degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure can also modify the temperature-load curve of the CCPP 12 at the outlet of the GT system 30 during operation, thus Transformation Several dependent attributes of the CCPP 12 can be influenced through the use of control profiles. The temperature-power profile of the CCPP 12 (shown by curve C1) can follow a piecewise defined curve where the exhaust temperature remains constant at low loads and decreases linearly at high loads. In contrast, a modified temperature-power profile of the CCPP 12 (shown by curve C2) can decrease more rapidly at low loads and increase linearly at high loads, for example to provide greater responsiveness and / or sensitivity to underlying changes in operation.

[0048] Referring now to Figures 3, 4, 7 and 8, Transformation Tuning the CCPP 12 to use a control profile may affect technical attributes of the CCPP 12 other than temperature. For example, TransformationModifying CCPP12 to use the control profile also reduces the IGV angle (Θ in Figure 7) during CCPP12 operation. IGV " ) and / or the superheater fluid flow ("Q Att "). In the case of the IGV angle, Transformation The control profile may change the IGV position to a larger than conventional incidence angle at low loads and / or may change the IGV to be located at a smaller than conventional incidence angle at high loads. Transformation Operation of the CCPP 12 with the control profile may be substantially reduced at low loads but slightly increased at high loads as a result of the above changes in ignition temperature and / or exhaust temperature.

[0049] Briefly referring to Figures 3, 4, and 9, embodiments of the present disclosure may also significantly affect other relevant properties of CCPP12. Specifically, Figure 9 shows that, compared to the initial control profile of CCPP12, Transformation Heat dissipation (Δ HR ) is improved. As shown, the heat generation amount Δ HR The improvement over can be, for example, as much as about 0.5% at loadings of about 68% or 99% of the maximum CCPP12 loading.

[0050] Advantages of the present disclosure allow for rapid deployment and use of the CCPP 12 in power grids having various energy sources and / or in non-base load operating settings. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the CCPP 12 can easily meet demand gaps and / or maintain efficient performance despite rapidly changing between different power output amounts. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure allow the CCPP 12 to internally compensate for fluctuations in energy demand, unavailability of other sources of power, and the like. Improvements to the CCPP 12 can result in reduced fuel consumption during operation, extended life of individual systems and their components. Operating the CCPP 12 in a mode that can reduce the temperature of various sections can provide significant life extension, and lower maintenance requirements. Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented without significant changes to the hardware of the CCPP 12 by modifying existing control logic, circuits, and the like to correspond to the operating methodologies described herein.

[0051] As used herein throughout the specification and claims, approximation language can be applied to modify any quantitative expression that can be reasonably varied without causing a change in the basic function involved. Thus, values ​​modified by terms such as "approximately," "about," and "substantially" are not limited to the exact value specified. In at least some instances, approximation language can correspond to the precision of the instrument for measuring the value. Here, and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations can be combined and / or substituted, and such ranges are identified and include all subranges encompassed therein, unless the context and language dictate otherwise. "About" as applied to a particular value in a range applies to both ends of the value and can indicate + / - 10% of the stated value, unless otherwise dependent on the precision of the instrument for measuring the value.

[0052] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means-plus-function or step-plus-function elements in the following claims are intended to encompass any structure, material, or act for performing that function in combination with other specifically claimed claim elements. The description of this disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications and variations of the present disclosure without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Transformation The present embodiment has been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and practical application of the disclosure and to enable others skilled in the art to understand the disclosure in its various embodiments, with various modifications as may be appropriate for the particular uses envisaged. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 10. System 12 Combined cycle power plant (CCPP), system 18 Steam Turbine (ST) System 20 Medium Pressure (IP) Section 22 Low Pressure (LP) Section 24 High Pressure (HP) Section 26 Shaft 28 Generator 30 Gas Turbine (GT) System 32 Compressor 34 Fluid 36 Inlet guide vane (IGV) 38 Compressed Fluids 40 Combustor 42 Fuel 44 Fuel supply source 46 Combustion Gas 48 Turbine Components 50 Shaft 52 Generator 54 Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) 58 Supply conduit 59 Exhaust Channel 60 Exhaust Fluid 61 Stack 62 Condensate vessel 64 Steam exhaust duct 66 Computing Devices 68 Power Plant Model 70 Sensors 72 Motion control program, motion control system 74 Overheating prevention device 76 Inlet Bleed Heat (IBH) Line 150 Environment 152 Memory 154 CCPP System 158 Processor Unit (PU) 160 Input / Output (I / O) Interface 164 Bus 166 External I / O Devices 168 Memory Systems 202 Module 212 Module 220 Data 222 Ambient Condition Field 224 Load Condition Field 226 Control Profile Fields 228 Quality Threshold field, quality threshold P1 Process P2 Process P3 Process P4 Process D1 Verdict P5 Process P6 Process C1 curve, temperature-load profile, temperature-power profile C2 curve, temperature-power profile

Claims

1. 1. A method for operating a combined cycle power plant (CCPP) (12), comprising: operating (P1) the CCPP (12) under ambient conditions (222) and under load conditions (224); generating (P2) a power plant model (68) of the CCPP (12) for operation at the ambient conditions (222) and the load conditions (224); modeling (P3) fuel (42) consumption using the power plant model (68) of the CCPP (12) at a baseline split ratio and the ambient conditions (222) and the load conditions (224); Creating a deformation control profile for the CCPP (12) (P4); using the power plant model (68) to determine (D1) whether the deformation control profile satisfies a quality threshold (228) for the CCPP (12), the quality threshold (228) including at least a fuel efficiency of the CCPP (12); modifying (P5) the deformation control profile in response to the deformation control profile not meeting the quality threshold (228); adjusting (P6) the CCPP (12) to use the deformation control profile in response to the deformation control profile satisfying the quality threshold (228), wherein the deformation control profile adjusts a turbine section inlet temperature schedule or an exhaust temperature schedule for the CCPP (12); A method comprising:

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting (P6) the CCPP (12) to use the deformation control profile reduces fluid flow in a desuperheater (74) within the CCPP (12).

3. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting (P6) the CCPP (12) to use the deformation control profile comprises adjusting an inlet guide vane (IGV) (36) pitch angle within the CCPP (12).

4. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting (P6) the CCPP (12) to use the deformation control profile reduces inlet bleed heat (IBH) flow of exhaust fluid (60) from an exhaust section to an inlet section of a compressor (32) of the CCPP (12).

5. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting (P6) the CCPP (12) to use the deformation control profile increases steam output from a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) assembly (54) within the CCPP (12).

6. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the quality thresholds (228) further comprise at least a minimum heat output reduction, a minimum plant efficiency increase, a minimum fuel consumption reduction, a fuel consumption limit, an emissions limit, or an operational stability limit for the CCPP (12).

7. modifying one of the load conditions (224) or the ambient conditions (222) of the CCPP (12); repeating the calculating, creating (P4), determining (D1) the deformation control profile, and one of modifying (P5) the deformation control profile or adjusting (P6) the CCPP (12); 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

8. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein creating the deformation control profile (P4) comprises applying a predetermined temperature increase or decrease to the baseline control profile based on the ambient conditions (222) and the load conditions (224).

9. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the adjusted inlet temperature schedule and the adjusted exhaust temperature schedule of the CCPP depend on the load condition.

10. 1. A program product stored on a computer-readable storage medium for operating a combined cycle power plant (CCPP) (12), the computer-readable storage medium including: operating (P1) the CCPP (12) under ambient conditions (222) and under load conditions (224); generating (P2) a power plant model (68) of the CCPP (12) for operation at the ambient conditions (222) and the load conditions (224); modeling (P3) fuel (42) consumption using the power plant model (68) of the CCPP (12) at a baseline split ratio and the ambient conditions (222) and the load conditions (224); Creating a deformation control profile for the CCPP (12) (P4); using the power plant model (68) to determine (D1) whether the deformation control profile satisfies a quality threshold (228) for the CCPP (12), the quality threshold (228) including at least a fuel efficiency of the CCPP (12); modifying (P5) the deformation control profile in response to the deformation control profile not meeting the quality threshold (228); adjusting (P6) the CCPP (12) to use the deformation control profile in response to the deformation control profile satisfying the quality threshold (228), wherein the deformation control profile adjusts a turbine section inlet temperature schedule or an exhaust temperature schedule for the CCPP (12); A program product comprising program code for causing an action to be performed, including:

11. 11. The program product of claim 10, wherein adjusting (P6) the CCPP (12) to use the deformation control profile reduces fluid flow in a desuperheater (74) within the CCPP (12).

12. 12. The program product of claim 10, wherein adjusting (P6) the CCPP (12) to use the deformation control profile comprises adjusting an inlet guide vane (IGV) (36) pitch angle within the CCPP (12).

13. 11. The program product of claim 10, wherein adjusting (P6) the CCPP (12) to use the deformation control profile reduces inlet bleed heat (IBH) flow of exhaust fluid (60) from an exhaust section to an inlet section of a compressor (32) of the CCPP (12).

14. 14. The program product of claim 10, wherein adjusting (P6) the CCPP (12) to use the deformation control profile increases steam output from a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) (54) assembly within the CCPP (12).

15. 15. The program product of claim 10, wherein the quality thresholds (228) include at least a minimum heat output reduction, a minimum plant efficiency increase, a minimum fuel consumption reduction, a fuel consumption limit, an emissions limit, or an operational stability limit for the CCPP (12).

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