SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAINTAINING POWER CONTINUITY IN A STEAM-BASED POWER PLANT - Patent application

Abstract

A system for maintaining power continuity in a steam-based power plant is provided. The system includes a fossil fuel-fired power generating unit and an electrical storage device. The fossil fuel-fired power generating unit operates to generate power and supply the power to an electrical grid. The electrical storage device is electrically coupled to the fossil fuel-fired power generating unit and operates to receive and store electrical power from the fossil fuel-fired power generating unit during periods of excess generation by the fossil fuel-fired power generating unit and to supply electrical power to components of the fossil fuel-fired power generating unit during periods of power shortage by the electrical grid.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to fossil fuel-fired, steam-based power plants, and more particularly, to systems and methods for maintaining power continuity in steam-based power plants. [Background technology]

[0002] Many steam-based power plants generate electricity via steam turbines driven by steam generated from the combustion of a fossil fuel, e.g., coal. Such steam-based power plants are often connected to a grid, e.g., a wide-area distribution grid for electricity, which often includes multiple power plants. Typically, coal-fired steam-based power plants use electricity from the connected grid to drive various components that facilitate the power generation operation, e.g., fuel feeders, fuel pulverizers, heaters, water pumps, air fans, etc.

[0003] However, many power grids often suffer from fluctuations in their ability to provide stable power. For example, a grid may experience periods in which demand exceeds supply due to natural and / or man-made events and / or accidents. In such scenarios, the frequency of power provided by the grid may drop by as much as 0.5 Hz or more. As can be appreciated, such fluctuations may damage various elements within a steam-based power plant and / or limit / disrupt normal power generation operations.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for improved systems and methods for maintaining power continuity in steam-based power plants. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 028675 Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one embodiment, a system for maintaining power continuity in a steam-based power plant is provided. The system includes a fossil fuel fired power generating unit and an electrical storage device. The fossil fuel fired power generating unit is operative to generate power and supply electrical power to a power grid. The electrical storage device is electrically coupled to the fossil fuel fired power generating unit and is operative to receive and store electrical power from the fossil fuel fired power generating unit during periods of excess generation by the fossil fuel fired power generating unit and to supply electrical power to components of the fossil fuel fired power generating unit during periods of power shortage by the power grid.

[0007] In another embodiment, a method for maintaining power continuity in a steam-based power plant is provided. The method includes receiving, at an electrical storage device, excess power from a power grid and a fossil fuel fired power unit electrically coupled to the electrical storage device. The method further includes storing the excess power in the electrical storage device. The method further includes supplying the stored excess power by the electrical storage device to components of the fossil fuel fired power unit during a period of power shortage by the electrical grid.

[0008] In yet another embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions is provided that adapts a processor to direct an electrical storage device to receive excess power from a fossil fuel fired power generating unit electrically coupled to a power grid and to the electrical storage device, to direct the electrical storage device to store the excess power in the electrical storage device, and to direct the electrical storage device to supply the stored excess power to components of the fossil fuel fired power generating unit during periods of power shortages by the power grid.

[0009] The invention will be better understood from reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for maintaining power continuity in a steam-based power plant according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates charging and discharging of an electrical storage device of the system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is another diagram illustrating charging and discharging of an electrical storage device of the system of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates a network utilized by a controller of the system of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present system for maintaining power continuity in a steam-based power plant, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference characters used throughout the drawings will refer to the same or like parts and descriptions will not be repeated.

[0012] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "generally," and "about" refer to conditions within reasonably achievable manufacturing and assembly tolerances relative to ideal desired conditions suitable for achieving the functional purpose of a component or assembly. Also as used herein, the term "heated contact" means that the referenced objects are in close proximity to one another such that heat / thermal energy can be transferred between them. As used herein, "electrically coupled," "electrically connected," and "electrically in communication" mean that the referenced elements are directly or indirectly connected such that an electric current or other communication medium can flow from one element to the other. The connection may include a direct conductive connection (i.e., no intervening capacitive, inductive, or active element), an inductive connection, a capacitive connection, and / or any other suitable electrical connection. There may be intervening components. As used herein, the term "real-time" refers to a level of processing responsiveness that a user perceives as being sufficiently instantaneous or that a processor can keep up with external processes. As used herein, the term "steam-based power plant" refers to a building or facility that houses one or more fossil fuel-fired power generating units. Also, as used herein, "fossil fuel-fired power generating unit" refers to a collection of equipment, including turbine-generators, for producing electricity.

[0013] Additionally, while the embodiments disclosed herein are described primarily with respect to steam-based power plants, it should be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure may be applicable to other types of power plants and / or systems that rely on or benefit from uninterrupted and / or stable electrical power.

[0014] 1, a system 10 for maintaining power continuity in a steam-based power plant 12 is shown according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 10 includes one or more fossil fuel-fired (e.g., coal-fired) generating units 14, 16, and 18, and an electrical storage apparatus / device 20. In an embodiment, the system 10 may also include a controller 22 having at least one processor 24 and a memory device 26. As described in more detail below, the power storage unit 20 operates to receive and store electrical power from the one or more fossil fuel-fired generating units 14, 16, and 18, and to provide electrical power to one or more components 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 39, 40, and / or 42 of the generating units 14, 16, and 18 during periods of power shortages from a power grid 44 to which the power plant 12 is electrically connected.

[0015] 1, each of the fossil fuel-fired power generating units 14, 16, and 18 may include a boiler 28, a steam turbine 30, a pulverizer 32, a classifier 34 (which may be incorporated into the pulverizer 32), a fan 36, a water pump 38, a heater 40, a plasma igniter 42 (located in the firing chamber or fuel conduit of the boiler or furnace, often requiring on the order of 100-200 kW), and / or other devices utilized in the generation of steam and / or electricity. Additionally, each of the fossil fuel-fired power generating units 14, 16, and 18 may further include an air pollution control system or environmental control system (ECS) 39 for gas cleaning (e.g., for removing NOx, SOx, Hg, particulate matter, etc.). Although FIG. 1 illustrates a power plant 12 having three fossil fuel fired generating units 14, 16, and 18, it will be understood that other embodiments may include a single fossil fuel fired generating unit, two fossil fuel fired generating units, and / or more than three fossil fuel fired generating units.

[0016] The electrical storage device 20 may be located in the power plant 12 and is electrically connected to each of the fossil fuel fired power generating units 14, 16, 18. However, it will be understood that in other embodiments, the electrical storage device 20 may be located outside the plant 12. In an embodiment, the electrical storage device 20 may be further connected to additional components that are separate from and / or shared by the fossil fuel fired power generating units 14, 16, and 18, such as converters, inverters, transformers, pumps 46, conveyors 48, etc. In an embodiment, the electrical storage device 20 may include one or more batteries 50 connected in parallel or series. The batteries 50 may be chemical acid based and / or rare earth metal based, such as lithium ion type.

[0017] As will be appreciated, the electrical storage device 20 may be connected directly to the steam turbine 30 (or its corresponding generator), i.e., without passing electrical power indirectly through the grid 44, thereby allowing the battery 50 to be directly charged via electrical power generated by the plant 12. As will be further appreciated, in an embodiment, the electrical storage device 20 may be connected to and / or charged by the grid 44. In an embodiment, the battery 50 may be electrically connected to the generating units 14, 16, and 18 via power converters, transformers, and / or other substation devices.

[0018] In an embodiment, system 10 may further include one or more sensors 52 operable to provide sensory information to controller 22 regarding electrical storage device 20. In an embodiment, the sensory information may include data regarding the voltage level of battery 50, the discharge rate of battery 50, the charge rate of battery 50, the temperature of battery 50, the duration for which battery 50 is charging and / or discharging, and / or other information regarding battery 50 and / or other components of power storage device 20.

[0019] 2, a chart is shown illustrating possible generalized scenarios of power flux to and from the electrical storage device 20, i.e., charging and discharging of the electrical storage device 20. As can be seen, at t=0, the charge (represented by line 54) is zero (0). The period from t=0 to t≈9 to the left of the dashed line represents a scenario in which the power plant 12 and / or fossil fuel-fired power generating units 14, 16 and / or 18 are generating more electricity than is required by the grid 44, i.e., a period of low power demand and excess generation, where the excess power serves to charge the electrical storage device 20. The shaded area to the left of the dashed line illustrates the amount of electricity stored by the electrical storage device 20. The time period from t=9 to t≈24 represents a scenario in which the grid 44 is unable to supply sufficient power flow to the fossil fuel-fired power generating units 14, 16, and / or 18, i.e., a period of high power demand in which the grid 44 is experiencing a shortage, and therefore the electricity storage device 20 discharges / supplies previously stored power to the fossil fuel-fired power generating units 14, 16, and / or 18. The shaded area to the right of the dashed line indicates energy release by the electricity storage device 20. In other words, the electricity storage device 20 replenishes or replaces the power previously supplied by the grid 44 to the fossil fuel-fired power generating units 14, 16, and / or 18, thereby allowing the fossil fuel-fired power generating units 14, 16, and / or 18 to continue operating to generate power for the grid 44, thereby maintaining power continuity through the plant 12 and / or the fossil fuel-fired power generating units 14, 16, and / or 18.

[0020] 3 shows another chart illustrating possible generalized scenarios of power flux to and from the electrical storage device 20 over the course of changes in the maximum continuous rating ("MCR") of the plant 12. As will be appreciated, the electrical storage device 20 may charge (shown as the area above the curve of line 54 relative to line 55) and / or discharge (shown as the area below line 54 relative to line 55) as the plant 12 and / or the fossil fuel-fired generating units 14, 16, and 18 operate at 50% MCR (generally shown by arrow 56), ramp up (generally shown by arrow 58), operate at 100% MCR (generally shown by arrow 60), ramp down (generally shown by arrow 62), operate at 35% MCR or less (generally shown by arrow 64) (or even operate at 25% MCR or less).

[0021] Returning to FIG. 1 , in an embodiment, an artificial intelligence application may be stored in the memory device 26 and loaded into the processor 24 for the purpose of monitoring the power flux to and from the electrical storage device 20. In some embodiments, the artificial intelligence application may include a neural network that receives its input from one or more sensors 52. In an embodiment, the artificial intelligence application may provide for management of the electrical storage device 20, such as distribution of available stored power to the various generating units 14, 16, 18 and / or components therein. In some embodiments, the artificial intelligence application may manage the electrical storage device 20 to maximize its availability for charging (i.e., storing power / energy). The artificial intelligence application may also monitor the status and / or performance of DC / AC and / or AC / DC conversion modules in the plant 12 and / or monitor and / or adjust the temperature of one or more components of the plant 12 and / or the generating units 14, 16 and 18. In some embodiments, the artificial intelligence application may include machine learning capabilities (e.g., may include a machine learning module).

[0022] As will be appreciated, the capacity and / or density of the battery 50 is often limited. Thus, the reliability of the electrical storage device 20 can be improved by scheduling and / or real-time control of the operation of the battery 50. Thus, in an embodiment, the artificial intelligence application can provide life monitoring of the electrical storage device 20. That is, the artificial intelligence application can determine (or predict when) the electrical storage device 20 cannot be efficiently charged and / or discharged. In an embodiment, the artificial intelligence application can adjust the distribution of stored power from the electrical storage device 20 to the generating units 14, 16, and 18 and / or components therein to smooth the load on each generating unit 14, 16, and 18 to compensate for the load control. In an embodiment, the artificial intelligence application can provide or schedule predictive and / or preventive maintenance of the battery 50. In an embodiment, the artificial intelligence application can provide advice for maintenance and / or part replacement of the power storage unit 20.

[0023] For example, in an embodiment, the artificial intelligence application may use a mathematical model-based dynamic optimization technique such as the following:

[0024] Maximize profit (t) = Revenue from grid (Capacity revenue, Spinning reserve, …) – (SPS generation cost + Battery charging cost + Battery discharging cost) where, subject to the following conditions: a) Charge / discharge rate (battery density), b) availability of capacity; c) steam generating capacity; d) Power consumption rate of steam power auxiliary equipment; e) Minimum load of steam generating unit; f) limitations from DC / AC and AC / DC conversion systems; g) Limitations from the start-up time of steam generating units; h) Processing of the dynamic model (suitably discretized); and / or i) Any other appropriate constraints.

[0025] In an embodiment, the artificial intelligence application may incorporate advanced model-based estimation, detection and / or control methods / subsystems, providing greater flexibility than traditional power backup systems, e.g., gas generators. For example, in an embodiment, the artificial intelligence application may operate to obtain operational data and / or commands from traditional distributed control systems ("DCS") and / or integrated control systems. In such an embodiment, the artificial intelligence application may process real-time (and / or historical) data in predefined analytical modules to generate new operational guidelines and / or operational configurations. In an embodiment, the artificial intelligence application may summarize the operational experience, e.g., successes and / or failures, of the plant 12 and expose new knowledge collected from unstructured data, e.g., the electric storage device 20, via neural networks, to be used as source data by other artificial intelligence systems, e.g., big data for "Stacked Benefits" of integrated local and / or regional grids.

[0026] 4, in an embodiment, the artificial intelligence application may be operative to electronically communicate with at least one other processor 100, 102, 104 located outside of the same plant 12 in which the electricity storage device 20 is located. For example, the artificial intelligence application may be in electronic communication over a network 106 with a database and / or data center 106, another power plant 108, and / or another type of facility 112 that may handle, process, and / or benefit from the data collected by the sensors 52 and / or predictions by the artificial intelligence application. In one embodiment, the artificial intelligence application software is configured to support the operation of the integrated steam power generation system 10 with battery energy storage system.

[0027] Finally, it should also be understood that system 10 may include the necessary electronics, software, memory, memory devices, databases, firmware, logic / state machines, microprocessors, communication links, displays or other visual or auditory user interfaces, printing devices, and any other input / output interfaces to perform the functions described herein and / or to achieve the results described herein. For example, system 10 may include at least one processor (e.g., processor 24) and a system memory / data storage structure (e.g., memory 26) that may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The at least one processor of system 10 may include one or more conventional microprocessors and one or more auxiliary coprocessors, such as a math coprocessor. The data storage structure described herein may include any suitable combination of magnetic, optical, and / or semiconductor memory, and may include, for example, RAM, ROM, flash drives, optical disks (such as compact disks), and / or hard disks or hard drives.

[0028] Furthermore, a software application that adapts the controller, i.e., at least one processor, to execute the methods disclosed herein may be loaded from a computer-readable medium into the main memory of the at least one processor. The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein refers to any medium that issues or participates in issuing instructions to at least one processor of the system 10 (or any other processor of the device described herein) for execution. Such media may take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media and volatile media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical, magnetic, or magneto-optical disks, such as memory. Volatile media include dynamic random access memory ("DRAM"), which typically constitutes the main memory. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, any other magnetic media, CD-ROMs, DVDs, any other optical media, RAM, PROM, EPROM or EEPROM (electronically erasable programmable read-only memory), flash EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium that can be read by a computer.

[0029] In embodiments, execution of sequences of instructions in a software application causes at least one processor to perform the methods / processes described herein, although hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement the methods / processes of the present disclosure. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and / or software.

[0030] Moreover, it should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. For example, the above-described embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from its scope.

[0031] For example, in one embodiment, a system for maintaining power continuity in a steam-based power plant is provided. The system includes a fossil fuel-fired power generating unit and an electrical storage device. The fossil fuel-fired power generating unit is operative to generate power and provide electrical power to a power grid. The electrical storage device is electrically coupled to the fossil fuel-fired power generating unit and is operative to receive and store electrical power from the fossil fuel-fired power generating unit during periods of excess generation by the fossil fuel-fired power generating unit and to provide electrical power to components of the fossil fuel-fired power generating unit during periods of power shortage by the power grid. In certain embodiments, the electrical storage device and the fossil fuel-fired power generating unit are disposed within the steam-based power plant. In certain embodiments, the electrical storage device is electrically coupled to an additional fossil fuel-fired power generating unit. In certain embodiments, the components of the fossil fuel-fired power generating unit are at least one of a coal pulverizer, a fuel classifier, a fan, a water pump, a heater, and a plasma igniter. In certain embodiments, the period of power scarcity includes at least one of a ramp-up of a fossil fuel fired generating unit, a period of peak demand for a fossil fuel fired generating unit, and a power disturbance on the grid.

[0032] In certain embodiments, the system further includes a memory device storing an artificial intelligence application and at least one processor operative to execute the artificial intelligence application. In such embodiments, the artificial intelligence application is operative to monitor the power flux rate of the electrical storage device and predict future periods of excess generation by the fossil fuel-fired power generating unit and / or future periods of power shortage by the power grid. In certain embodiments, the artificial intelligence application includes a neural network. In certain embodiments, the artificial intelligence application is further operative to electrically communicate with at least one other processor located outside the same plant in which the electrical storage device is located. In certain embodiments, the electrical storage device directly supplies power to components of the fossil fuel-fired power generating unit.

[0033] Yet another embodiment provides a method for maintaining power continuity in a steam-based power plant. The method includes receiving, at an electrical storage device, excess power from a power grid and a fossil fuel fired power unit electrically coupled to the electrical storage device. The method further includes storing the excess power in the electrical storage device. The method further includes supplying the stored excess power stored by the electrical storage device to components of the fossil fuel fired power unit during a period of power shortage by the power grid.

[0034] In certain embodiments, the electrical storage device and the fossil fuel fired power generating unit are disposed within a steam-based power plant. In certain embodiments, the electrical storage device is electrically coupled to an additional fossil fuel fired power generating unit. In certain embodiments, the components of the fossil fuel fired power generating unit are at least one of a coal pulverizer, a fuel classifier, a fan, a water pump, a heater, and a plasma igniter. In certain embodiments, the period of power shortage includes at least one of a ramp-up of the fossil fuel fired power generating unit, a peak demand period of the fossil fuel fired power generating unit, and a power disturbance of the grid.

[0035] In certain embodiments, the method further includes monitoring the power flux rate of the electrical storage device via an artificial intelligence application executing on the at least one processor, and predicting, via the artificial intelligence application, future periods of excess generation by the fossil fuel-fired power generating unit and / or future periods of power shortage by the power grid. In certain embodiments, the artificial intelligence application includes a neural network. In certain embodiments, the method further includes electrically communicating, via the artificial intelligence application, with at least one other processor located outside the same plant in which the electrical storage device is located. In certain embodiments, the electrical storage device directly supplies power to components of the fossil fuel-fired power generating unit.

[0036] Yet another embodiment provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that adapt a processor to receive excess power from a fossil fuel fired power generating unit electrically coupled to a power grid and to the electrical storage device, to store the excess power in the electrical storage device, and to supply the stored excess power stored by the electrical storage device to components of the fossil fuel fired power generating unit during a period of power shortage by the power grid.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the electrical storage device is located within the same steam-based power plant as the fossil fuel-fired power generating unit. In certain embodiments, the electrical storage device is electrically coupled to an additional fossil fuel-fired power generating unit. In certain embodiments, the components of the fossil fuel-fired power generating unit are at least one of a coal pulverizer, a fuel classifier, a fan, a water pump, a heater, and a plasma igniter. In certain embodiments, the period of power shortage includes at least one of a ramp-up of the fossil fuel-fired power generating unit, a peak demand period of the fossil fuel-fired power generating unit, and a power disturbance of a grid to which the fossil fuel-fired power generating unit is electrically coupled.

[0038] In certain embodiments, the stored instructions further adapt the processor to execute an artificial intelligence application. In such embodiments, the artificial intelligence application is operative to monitor the power flux rate of the electrical storage device and predict future periods of excess generation by the fossil fuel fired power generating unit and / or future periods of power shortage by the power grid. In certain embodiments, the artificial intelligence application includes a neural network. In certain embodiments, the artificial intelligence application is further operative to electrically communicate with at least one other processor located outside the same plant in which the electrical storage device is located. In certain embodiments, the electrical storage device directly supplies electrical power to components of the fossil fuel fired power generating unit.

[0039] Thus, by providing a power storage device at and / or near the location of a fossil fuel-fired power generating unit, some embodiments of the present disclosure can mitigate and / or eliminate power continuity problems due to fluctuations in the power provided by the grid to which the fossil fuel-fired power generating unit is connected.

[0040] It will also be appreciated that by providing a power storage solution as opposed to a gas-powered backup generator, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a more environmentally friendly backup power source for power plants and / or fossil fuel-fired generating units.

[0041] Additionally, some embodiments of the system 10 may enable the retrofitting of power storage devices to existing power plants and / or fossil fuel-fired generating units.

[0042] Furthermore, by providing an energy storage system (electrical storage device) locally connected to the auxiliary systems of the plant, power can be discharged from the energy storage system, e.g., a battery, at an optimum density and duration to support the operation of local power-driven equipment, e.g., pumps, fans / blowers, grinders, electric heating and / or cooling elements, etc.

[0043] The dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the invention, are in no way limiting, and are merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the above description. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain English equivalents of the terms "comprising" and "wherein," respectively. Furthermore, in the following claims, the terms "first," "second," "third," "upper," "lower," "bottom," "top," and the like, are used merely as guides and are not intended to impose numerical or positional requirements on their objects. Moreover, the limitations in the following claims are not written in, and are not intended to be construed as, means-plus-function form, unless such limitations expressly use the phrase "means for" followed by a description of a function devoid of further structure.

[0044] This specification uses examples to disclose some embodiments of the invention, including the best mode, and also enables one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments of the invention, including making and using any device or system, and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have 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.

[0045] As used herein, elements and steps described in the singular and followed by the word "a" or "an" should be understood not to exclude a plurality of said elements or steps, unless it is expressly stated that such elements or steps are not plural. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Furthermore, unless expressly stated otherwise, embodiments "comprising," "including," or "having" an element or elements having a particular characteristic may include additional such elements that do not have that characteristic.

[0046] Since certain modifications may be made to the above-described invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention herein, it is intended that all of the subject matter of the above description as shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as merely examples illustrating the inventive concepts herein and should not be considered as limiting the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 10 Integrated Steam Power System 12 Power Plants 14 Fossil fuel fired power generating units 16 Fossil fuel fired power generating units 18 Fossil fuel fired power generating units 20 Power storage equipment, electrical storage equipment, devices 22 Controller 24 processors 26 Memory Devices 28 Boiler 30 Steam Turbine 32 Crusher 34 Classifier 36 Fans 38 Water Pump 39 Air Pollution Control System or Environmental Control System (ECS) 40 Heater 42 Plasma Igniter 44 Power Grid 46 Pump 48 Conveyor 50 Battery 52 Sensors 54 lines 55 lines 56 Arrow 58 Arrow 60 Arrow 62 Arrow 64 Arrow 100 processors 102 processors 104 processors 106 Networks, databases and / or data centers 108 Power Plant 112 Facilities

Claims

1. A system (10) for maintaining power continuity in a steam-based power plant (12), the system (10) comprising: a fossil fuel fired power generating unit (14, 16, 18) operable to generate electricity and supply the electricity to a power grid (44); an electricity storage device (20) electrically coupled to the fossil fuel fired power generating units (14, 16, 18), receiving and storing electrical power from said fossil fuel fired power generating units (14, 16, 18) during periods of excess power generation by said fossil fuel fired power generating units (14, 16, 18); and providing power to components of said fossil fuel fired power generating units (14, 16, 18) during periods of power shortages from said power grid (44); an electrical storage device (20) that operates as follows: a controller (22) including a memory device (26) for storing an artificial intelligence application and at least one processor (24) operative to execute said artificial intelligence application; wherein the artificial intelligence application is configured to adjust the distribution of stored electricity from the electricity storage device to the fossil fuel fired power units to compensate for load control to smooth loads on the fossil fuel fired power units.

2. The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the electricity storage device (20) and the fossil fuel fired power generating units (14, 16, 18) are disposed within the steam based power plant (12).

3. The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the electricity storage device (20) is electrically coupled to additional fossil fuel fired power generating units (14, 16, 18).

4. 2. The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the components of the fossil fuel fired power unit (14, 16, 18) are at least one of a coal pulverizer (32), a fuel classifier (34), a fan (36), a water pump (38), a heater (40), and a plasma igniter (42).

5. The period of the power shortage is Ramp-up of said fossil fuel fired power generating units (14, 16, 18); a peak demand period for said fossil fuel fired generating units (14, 16, 18); and Power failure of said grid (44) The system (10) of claim 1, comprising at least one of:

6. The artificial intelligence application, monitoring the power flux rate of the electrical storage device (20); and Predicting future periods of excess power generation by said fossil fuel fired power generating units (14, 16, 18) and / or future periods of power shortage by said power grid (44). The system (10) of claim 1 configured to:

7. The system (10) of claim 6, wherein the artificial intelligence application comprises a neural network.

8. The system (10) of claim 6, wherein the artificial intelligence application is further operative to electrically communicate with at least one other processor (100, 102, 104) located outside the steam-based power plant (12) in which the electrical storage device (20) is located.

9. The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the electrical storage device (20) directly supplies electrical power to the components of the fossil fuel fired power units (14, 16, 18).

10. A method for maintaining power continuity in a steam-based power plant (12), the method comprising: receiving excess electricity at an electricity storage device (20) from a power grid (44) and from fossil fuel-fired power generating units (14, 16, 18) electrically coupled to the electricity storage device (20); storing the surplus electricity in the electricity storage device (20); supplying the stored excess electricity from the electricity storage device (20) to components of the fossil fuel fired power generating units (14, 16, 18) during periods of power shortage from the power grid (44); adjusting the distribution of stored power from the electrical storage device (20) to the fossil fuel-fired power generating units (14, 16, 18) to compensate for load control by an artificial intelligence application to smooth the load on the fossil fuel-fired power generating units (14, 16, 18); A method comprising:

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the electricity storage device (20) and the fossil fuel fired power generating units (14, 16, 18) are disposed within the steam based power plant (12).

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the electricity storage device (20) is electrically coupled to additional fossil fuel fired power generating units (14, 16, 18).

13. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the components of the fossil fuel fired power unit (14, 16, 18) are at least one of a coal pulverizer (32), a fuel classifier (34), a fan (36), a water pump (38), a heater (40), and a plasma igniter (42).

14. The period of the power shortage is Ramp-up of said fossil fuel fired power generating units (14, 16, 18); a peak demand period for said fossil fuel fired generating units (14, 16, 18); and Power failure of said grid (44) The method of claim 10, comprising at least one of:

15. monitoring the power flux rate of the electrical storage device (20) via an artificial intelligence application running on at least one processor (24); predicting, via said artificial intelligence application, future periods of excess generation by said fossil fuel fired power generating units (14, 16, 18) and / or future periods of power shortage by said power grid (44); The method of claim 10 further comprising:

Images