Power supply advisor for flexible operation of power plants

Abstract

To provide a feed advisor (18) for flexibly operating a power plant (10) having at least one gas turbine (12).SOLUTION: The feed advisor (18) can generate a representation of a flexible base load map (36) for operating the power plant (10). The representation can include an aggregation of a primary base load operating space (50) and an expanded portion (52) of the base load operating space. The representation offers a range of operating values of operational parameters of the power plant (10) during a base load operation performed at various base load settings under predetermined ambient conditions and corresponding power output and power efficiency values that are attained while operating the power plant at the range of operating values. The representation offers an operator of the power plant (10) with flexibility in controlling the plant (10) during the base load operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to power plants, and more particularly to providing a power supply advisor that generates an operating space for flexibly operating a power plant such as a combined cycle power plant during baseload operation.

Background Art

[0002] Many power plants, such as combined cycle power plants, use gas turbines as a power source to meet at least a portion of the total power demand of consumers. Plant operators may peak burn a gas turbine beyond its basic maximum output during peak demand times. A gas turbine that peak burns beyond its basic maximum output will generate additional power output when needed, but at the cost of consuming component life earlier (e.g., combustion time multiplied by an excess factor). If a gas turbine frequently peak burns within its maintenance interval (or maintenance life), the consumption of component life progresses, which may shorten the maintenance interval. As a result, the maintenance schedule may be expedited, and additional charges may occur under the customer service contract. Considering these additional maintenance costs, the owner of the plant equipment assets may be more cautious than necessary when executing the peak burn mode, thereby risking missing revenue opportunities.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] The following provides a simplified overview of the disclosed subject matter to facilitate a basic understanding of some aspects of the various embodiments. This overview is not a comprehensive overview of the various embodiments. This overview is not intended solely to identify important or essential features of the claimed subject matter as described in the claims, nor is it intended to be used to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some of the concepts of this disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed explanations that will follow.

[0004] Several embodiments relate to providing solutions aimed at advising operators of gas turbine power plants, such as combined-cycle power plants, on how to flexibly operate the power plant during base-load operation. Solutions provided by various embodiments include generating a representation of a flexible base-load map that includes a flexible base-load operating space for operating the power plant. The representation may include an aggregation of a primary base-load operating space and an extension of the base-load operating space that represents a secondary base-load operating space. The representation provides a range of operating values ​​for the power plant's operating parameters during base-load operation performed at various base-load setpoints under given ambient conditions, and corresponding power output and power efficiency values ​​achieved while operating the power plant at that range of operating values. In this respect, the representation provides the power plant operator with flexibility in controlling the plant during base-load operation.

[0005] In one embodiment, a method is provided for generating guidance for operating a power plant having at least one gas turbine to meet baseload power demand. The method includes the steps of: acquiring a plurality of baseload data related to operating parameters of the power plant during baseload operation at a plurality of baseload setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions, using a system comprising at least one processor, wherein the operating parameters include the gas turbine inlet temperature, the position of the inlet guide vanes in the gas turbine, and the fuel temperature of the fuel in the gas turbine; associating the plurality of baseload data related to the operating parameters with power output values ​​and power efficiency values ​​achieved by the power plant while operating at each of the plurality of baseload setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions during baseload operation; and determining a primary baseload operating space using the system from the association between the plurality of baseload data related to a first set of operating parameters and the power output values ​​and power efficiency values ​​achieved, wherein the primary baseload operating space is determined by operating at each of the plurality of baseload setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions during baseload operation. The system provides a representation relating power output and power efficiency values ​​of a power plant achieved with a first set of operating parameters, wherein the first set of operating parameters includes inlet temperature and inlet guide vane position, and the primary base load operating space represents the primary operating space for achieving target plant power output and target plant power efficiency; the system extends the primary base load operating space using a portion of multiple base load data related to a second set of operating parameters of the power plant, wherein the second set of operating parameters includes inlet temperature, inlet guide vane position, and fuel temperature, and the extended portion of the base load operating space represents a secondary base load operating space that achieves higher plant power output and suboptimal plant power efficiency compared to the primary base load operating space; and the system generates a representation of a flexible base load map for operating the power plant, wherein the flexible base load map represents the primary base load operating space andThe flexible base load map representation includes the steps of: providing a range of operating values ​​for the operating parameters, and corresponding power output and power efficiency values ​​achieved while the power plant is operating within that range; and providing the power plant operator with the flexibility to control the power plant during base load operation.

[0006] In another embodiment, a system is provided. This system comprises a memory for storing executable components and at least one processor operably coupled to the memory for executing the executable components. The executable components include a flexible base load map generation component for generating a flexible base load map for operating a power plant having at least one gas turbine to meet base load power demands. The flexible base load map generation component includes the steps of: obtaining a plurality of base load data related to operating parameters of the power plant during base load operation at a plurality of base load setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions, wherein the operating parameters include the gas turbine inlet temperature, the position of the inlet guide vanes in the gas turbine, and the fuel temperature of the fuel in the gas turbine; associating the plurality of base load data related to the operating parameters with power output values ​​and power efficiency values ​​achieved by the power plant while operating at each of the plurality of base load setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions during base load operation; and from the association between the plurality of base load data related to a first set of operating parameters and the power output values ​​and power efficiency values ​​achieved, the processor performs a primary Steps include: determining a base load operating space, wherein the primary base load operating space provides a representation relating to the power output and power efficiency values ​​of a power plant achieved with a first set of operating parameters while operating at each of a plurality of base load setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions during base load operation, the first set of operating parameters including inlet temperature and inlet guide vane position, and the primary base load operating space represents the primary operating space for achieving target plant power output and target plant power efficiency; and extending the primary base load operating space by the processor using a portion of a plurality of base load data related to a second set of operating parameters of the power plant, wherein the second set of operating parameters includes inlet temperature, inlet guide vane position, and fuel temperature, and the extended portion of the base load operating space isThe method is configured to include the steps of: representing a secondary baseload operating space that achieves higher plant power output and suboptimal plant power efficiency compared to a primary baseload operating space; generating a flexible baseload map representation for operating a power plant, wherein the flexible baseload map includes an aggregate of the primary baseload operating space and an extended portion thereof, and the flexible baseload map representation provides a range of operating values ​​for operating parameters, and corresponding power output and power efficiency values ​​achieved while operating the power plant at that range of operating values; and providing the power plant operator with flexibility in controlling the power plant during baseload operation.

[0007] In yet another embodiment, a non-temporary computer-readable medium is provided which stores executable instructions that, in response to execution, cause a system comprising at least one processor to perform an operation aimed at generating a flexible base load map for operating a power plant having at least one gas turbine to meet base load power demands. The operation includes the steps of: acquiring a plurality of base load data related to operating parameters of the power plant during base load operation at a plurality of base load setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions, wherein the operating parameters include the gas turbine inlet temperature, the position of the inlet guide vanes in the gas turbine, and the fuel temperature of the fuel in the gas turbine; associating the plurality of base load data related to the operating parameters with power output values ​​and power efficiency values ​​achieved by the power plant while operating at each of the plurality of base load setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions during base load operation; and determining a primary base load operating space from the association between the plurality of base load data related to a first set of operating parameters and the power output values ​​and power efficiency values ​​achieved, wherein the primary base load operating space is determined by operating at each of the plurality of base load setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions during base load operation. The present invention provides a representation relating power output and power efficiency values ​​of a power plant achieved with a first set of operating parameters, wherein the first set of operating parameters includes inlet temperature and inlet guide vane position, and the primary base load operating space represents the primary operating space for achieving target plant power output and target plant power efficiency; the present invention provides a representation relating the primary base load operating space with a portion of a plurality of base load data related to a second set of operating parameters of the power plant, wherein the second set of operating parameters includes inlet temperature, inlet guide vane position, and fuel temperature, and the extended portion of the base load operating space represents a secondary base load operating space for achieving higher plant power output and suboptimal plant power efficiency compared to the primary base load operating space; and the present invention provides a representation of a flexible base load map for operating the power plant.The flexible base load map includes a combination of a primary base load operating space and an extension thereof, and the representation of the flexible base load map provides operating values ​​for a range of operating parameters, and corresponding power output and power efficiency values ​​achieved while operating the power plant within that range; and provides the power plant operator with flexibility in controlling the power plant during base load operation.

[0008] The present invention will be better understood by reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This block diagram shows an example of a power plant in which embodiments of the present invention are suitable for providing guidance on a method for managing its operation according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example of a power supply advisor system for flexibly operating a power plant having at least one gas turbine, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This block diagram shows exemplary data inputs and data outputs for a flexible base load generation component in a power supply advisory system shown in Figure 2, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This flowchart illustrates an example of the operation of an algorithm associated with a flexible base load generation component that can generate a flexible base roadmap, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a representation of a flexible base load map for operating a power plant, which can be generated by a flexible base load generation component using the operation shown in Figure 4, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows an exemplary computing environment in which various embodiments can be implemented. [Figure 7] This figure shows an exemplary networking environment in which various embodiments can be implemented. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Illustrative embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some, though not all, embodiments. In fact, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein, but rather these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure may satisfy applicable legal requirements. Throughout, similar numbers may refer to similar elements.

[0011] According to aspects of the present invention, systems and methods are disclosed that can be used to optimize the performance of a power generation system, a power plant, and / or a thermal power generation unit in a given set of design and operation control functions. In exemplary embodiments, this optimization may include guidance to a power plant operator in selecting the optimal operating conditions for the plant. In other embodiments, this optimization may include economic optimization based on the power plant operator deciding which of the operating modes to increase profitability. These embodiments may be used within a particular power generation system to provide a competitive advantage in obtaining economically favorable sales contract terms during the power supply process of the power generation system.

[0012] The advisory functions, as per various embodiments, can guide power plant operators in selecting optimal operating conditions for their power plants. In this regard, the advisory functions can enable operators to make selections between operating modes based on accurate economic comparisons and forecasts. For example, the advisory functions can help operators select operating conditions for a power plant that maximize operating revenue by selling electricity on the spot market, while ensuring that the highest capacity payments are made for capacity or power purchase agreements concluded through the capacity market. The advisory functions can also be used to help forecast operating scenarios and manage power outages and availability. For example, a power plant operator can use the advisory functions to address the process of purchasing fuel in anticipation of future power generation periods, thereby minimizing fuel inventory while avoiding increased risk of fuel shortages. In another embodiment, a power plant operator can use the advisory functions to address the process of proactively setting up maintenance and upkeep programs that determine when various parts and components of the power plant should be serviced and / or replaced to improve power plant availability while minimizing power plant downtime.

[0013] The technical effects of some configurations of various embodiments of the present invention include the generation of representations and solutions for energy systems that advise or provide guidance on operating a power plant as flexibly and optimally as possible under various physical, operating, and / or economic conditions. In generating such representations, power plant operators can select optimal operating conditions for the power plant that maximize profitability for a particular combination of ambient conditions, operating conditions, contractual conditions, regulatory conditions, legal conditions, and / or economic and market conditions.

[0014] Referring here to Figure 1, a block diagram is shown representing an embodiment of a power plant 10 in which the use of embodiments of the present invention is suitable for providing guidance on a method for managing its operation according to one embodiment of the present invention. The power plant 10 shown in Figure 1 is a combined cycle power plant, specifically an embodiment of a two-and-one combined cycle power plant comprising two gas turbines 12 (GT1 and GT2), a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) 14, and one steam turbine 16 (ST1). Typically, the gas turbines 12 (GT1 and GT2) are heated to high temperatures. The HRSG 14 takes in exhaust gas from the gas turbines 12 (GT1 and GT2) and generates steam to be supplied to the steam turbine 16 (ST1). Both the gas turbines 12 (GT1 and GT2) and the steam turbine 16 (ST1) can drive generators to produce electricity supplied to the power grid. It is understood that this configuration of a two-and-one combined cycle power plant is just one embodiment of a combined cycle power plant in which various embodiments are useful. While various embodiments have been described in relation to combined cycle power plants, these embodiments are also suitable for use in other power plants that include at least one gas turbine.

[0015] The power plant 10 shown in Figure 1 is a simplified diagram of a combined cycle power plant, and those skilled in the art will understand that the power plant may comprise other components. For example, the power plant 10 may comprise a component controller operably coupled to each of the gas turbines 12 (GT1 and GT2), the heat recovery boiler (HRSG) 14, and the steam turbine 16 (ST1), which controls various aspects of parts, components, machinery, or devices, including but not limited to sensors and valves. Furthermore, the power plant 10 may comprise a plant controller that receives data and transmits it to the component controller, or instructs the component controller to smoothly perform one of several operations. It will be understood that the component controller and the plant controller may be integrated into a single controller. In either case, the plant controller may communicate with a plant operator or several data resources. According to a particular embodiment, the plant controller may make suggestions to the plant operator regarding desired operating setpoints for the power plant 10. The plant controller may also receive instructions and commands from the plant operator regarding several different operations. Furthermore, the plant controller may receive and store data relating to the operation of the components and subsystems of the power plant 10. The various embodiments described herein are suitable for use as functions operating as part of a plant controller.

[0016] In a typical combined cycle power plant, the base load of the power plant under given ambient conditions can be defined by the gas turbine inlet temperature or operating temperature and the position of the inlet guide vanes (IGV) within the gas turbine. In this respect, the inlet temperature and IGV position can specify the operating point of the combined cycle power plant that has the highest power output and highest efficiency. However, there are limitations to operating a combined cycle power plant according to a specified operating point.

[0017] Various embodiments of the present invention overcome these limitations associated with operating a combined cycle power plant according to an operating point by defining an operating space under optimal operating conditions for operating a combined cycle power plant, which can be used by the operator as guidance when selecting specific setpoints for the operating parameters of the power plant, and which are shown within the operating space during base load operation under given ambient conditions. The derivation of the operating space relating to the various embodiments is based on a combined cycle power plant utilizing a gas turbine with an optional partial peak combustion. This allows the operator to command a desired output. In some cases, this optional choice allows the gas turbine to increase its inlet temperature (within a range of a 35°F increase) to achieve a target megawatt (MW) output. At a given compressor inlet temperature (CTIM) (e.g., CTIM is lower than 22°C), the IGV position may be defined as the exhaust Mach number (hereinafter referred to as "Mach number"). Based on this, the operating line for operating the power plant may be defined by the inlet temperature and the Mach number. This operating line can be extended from a single line during base-load operation under predetermined ambient conditions to an operating space representing the operating space for the power plant's inlet temperature and Mach number. For example, in one embodiment, the operating space of the power plant may be defined by a variable inlet temperature and a constant Mach number. From this operating space, the power plant can be operated to achieve target output and target efficiency.

[0018] While the ability to operate a power plant with variable inlet temperature is beneficial for increasing output and efficiency, it has the drawback of affecting the product life of power plant components. For example, increased inlet temperature and prolonged exposure to these temperatures negatively impact the product life of combustion and high-temperature gas path components, potentially leading to maintenance and replacement costs to keep the power plant operational to meet baseload power demands, as well as availability issues due to maintenance. In another scenario, increasing the Mach number may shorten the life of the gas turbine rotor, potentially requiring maintenance. This is because, as gas turbine technology evolves, Mach numbers are expected to increase. This will allow for more gas turbine output and therefore more combined cycle power plant output, but at the expense of efficiency.

[0019] To address the need for a larger operating space corresponding to variable inlet temperature and Mach number, and the impact of variable operating parameters on the output and efficiency of a power plant, various embodiments aim to improve the operating space obtainable based on variable inlet temperature and constant Mach number. For example, various embodiments aim to provide an operating space corresponding to variable inlet temperature and Mach number in light of their impact on the output and efficiency of a power plant. In one embodiment, a power plant operator can adjust the target plant load and target plant efficiency using the operating space from various embodiments, including extended representations of elevated inlet temperature and Mach number. In this regard, the operator can adjust the target plant load and target plant efficiency to address one of many business concerns, which may include, but are not limited to, revenue maximization, forecasting operating scenarios, managing power outages and availability, fuel purchasing, and maintenance and servicing planning.

[0020] In the larger operating spaces of various embodiments, increases in inlet temperature and Mach number, which may result in suboptimal efficiency, are also taken into account. As used herein, suboptimal efficiency means that the power plant operates at a lower output than its total output, and that the capital cost per megawatt (MW) of the plant's output increases. Specifically, the operating spaces of various embodiments are extended to accommodate additional operating parameters that may play an additional role in achieving the output and efficiency resulting from increases in inlet temperature and Mach number. In one embodiment, this additional operating parameter may include the fuel temperature of the fuel in the gas turbine. With this additional operating parameter applied to the operating space, the operator can use the operating space to select optimal conditions for inlet temperature, Mach number, and fuel temperature when it is desired to operate at a higher output while operating at suboptimal efficiency. In this way, the operator can adjust the inlet temperature, Mach number, and fuel temperature to address one of many business concerns, including, but not limited to, revenue maximization, forecasting operating scenarios, managing power outages and availability, fuel procurement, and maintenance and servicing planning. For example, in one embodiment, the operator may adjust these parameters to maximize operating revenue based on a specification of market conditions. This specification may include selling electricity in the spot market, while also ensuring that the highest possible capacity payments are made for capacity or electricity purchase contracts concluded through the capacity market. In some cases, such adjustments may be of interest to the power plant operator, even though they may result in the highest possible revenue not being achieved at suboptimal efficiency due to their impact on turbine components such as combustion, high-temperature gas components, and rotor life. For example, a change in fuel temperature, such as lowering the fuel temperature, may increase output while decreasing efficiency, but it may not affect maintenance or availability and therefore not negatively impact operating revenue.

[0021] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a power supply advisor system 18 for flexibly operating a power plant having at least one gas turbine, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Embodiments of the power supply advisor system 18, including methods, processes, and operations performed by the present disclosure, can constitute machine-executable components embodied in one or more machines, such as being embodied in one or more computer-readable media associated with one or more machines. Such components, when executed by one or more machines, such as one or more computers, one or more computing devices, one or more automated devices, one or more virtual machines, etc., can cause the one or more machines to perform the operations described.

[0022] Furthermore, in the following description of the power supply advisor system 18 in Figure 2 and in descriptions relating to other figures, terms such as “object,” “module,” “interface,” “component,” “system,” “platform,” “engine,” “selector,” “manager,” “unit,” “store,” “network,” and “generator” may be used to refer to computer-related entities or entities related to, or part of, a working machine or device having a specific function. These entities may be hardware, a combination of hardware and firmware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or running software. Furthermore, entities identified by the above terms will generally be referred to as “functional elements” in this specification. In one embodiment, a component may be, but is not limited to, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable file, an execution thread, a program, and / or a computer. As an example, both an application running on a server and the server itself may be components. One or more components may reside in a process and / or an execution thread, and components may be localized on one computer and / or distributed across two or more computers. Furthermore, these components may be executed from various computer-readable storage media containing various data structures. These components may communicate via local and / or remote processes, for example, by following signals containing one or more data packets (e.g., data from a local system, another component in a distributed system, and / or data from a component that interacts with other systems by signaling across a network such as the Internet).As an example, a component can be an apparatus having a specific function provided by a mechanical part actuated by an electric or electronic circuit, the apparatus being operated by a software application or firmware application executed by a processor, which can be inside or outside the apparatus and which executes at least part of the software application or firmware application. As another example, a component can be an apparatus that provides a specific function via electronic components without mechanical parts. These electronic components can include, inside them, a processor for executing software or firmware that at least partly imparts the functions of the electronic components. One or more interfaces can include input / output (I / O) components, one or more associated processors, one or more applications, or API (Application Programming Interface) components. Although the above examples are directed to components, the features or aspects illustrated are also applicable to objects, modules, interfaces, systems, platforms, engines, selectors, managers, units, stores, and networks, etc.

[0023] Referring again to Figure 2, the power supply advisor system 18 may comprise a flexible base roadmap generation component 20, a user interface component 22, one or more processors 24, and a memory 26 for storing data 28. In various embodiments, one or more of the flexible base roadmap generation component 20, the user interface component 22, one or more processors 24, or the memory 26 may be electrically and / or communicatively coupled to one or more of the functions of the power supply advisor system 18. In some embodiments, one or both of the flexible base roadmap generation component 20 or the user interface component 22 may include software instructions stored in the memory 26 and executed by one or more processors 24. Furthermore, the power supply advisor system 18 may interact with other hardware and / or software components not shown in Figure 2. For example, one or more processors 24 may interact with one or more external user interface devices such as a keyboard, mouse, display monitor, touchscreen, or other such interface devices.

[0024] The flexible base load map generation component 20 can be configured to generate a flexible base load map for operating a power generation plant having at least one gas turbine so as to satisfy a base load power demand. The flexible base load map can include an operating space for operating the power generation plant according to a plurality of operating parameters. In one embodiment, the operating parameters can include the inlet temperature of the gas turbine and the position of the inlet guide vanes in the gas turbine, as well as the fuel temperature of the fuel in the gas turbine. The flexible base load map can include a primary base load operating space obtained from a first set of operating parameters that provides power generation output values and power generation efficiency values of the power generation plant achieved across the operating space of the first set of operating parameters. In one embodiment, the first set of operating parameters can include the inlet temperature and the position of the inlet guide vanes. Typically, the primary base load operating space represents a primary operating space for achieving a target plant power generation output and a target plant power generation efficiency. The flexible base load map can further include an extension that provides an operating space associated with a second set of operating parameters of the power generation plant. In one embodiment, the second set of operating parameters can include the inlet temperature, the position of the inlet guide vanes, and the fuel temperature. Typically, the extension of the base load operating space represents a secondary operating space that achieves a higher plant power generation output and a near-optimal plant power generation efficiency compared to the primary base load operating space.

[0025] The user interface component 22 may be configured to receive user input and then render output to the user in any appropriate format (e.g., visual, auditory, tactile, etc.). In some embodiments, the user interface component 22 may be configured to generate a graphical user interface that can be rendered on a client device that interfaces communicatively with the power supply advisor system 18, or on the system 18's native display component (e.g., a display monitor or display screen). The input data may include, for example, base load data relating to the operating parameters of the power plant during base load operation performed at a plurality of base load setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions. As described above, in one embodiment, such operating parameters may include the gas turbine inlet temperature, the position of the inlet guide vanes in the gas turbine, and the fuel temperature of the fuel in the gas turbine. In addition to the base load setpoints of these operating parameters, the input data may include power output values ​​and power efficiency values ​​achieved by the power plant while operating at each of the base load setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions during base load operation. It is understood that the input data may include other data relating to other operating parameters. Furthermore, while various embodiments have been described with respect to parameters including inlet temperature, inlet guide vane position, and fuel temperature, it is understood that a flexible base roadmap can be generated using other operating parameters such as temperature, pressure, humidity, and gas flow characteristics at defined locations along the working fluid path, as well as ambient conditions, fuel characteristics, and other measurable values. In addition to the data described above, the input data may include, for example, user-defined constraints that are considered when generating the flexible base roadmap (e.g., upper and lower limits for gas turbine operating temperature or power output, definition of a desired operating period, definition of ambient conditions, identification of days on which gas turbine operation is not permitted, etc.).

[0026] The output data that can be rendered by the user interface component 22 may include, but is not limited to, a graphical rendering of one or more representations of the flexible base roadmap for operating the power plant, which is generated by the flexible base roadmap generation component 20. Other output data that may be provided by the user interface component 22 may include, for example, a text-based rendering of a plant asset operation profile or schedule, or a graphical rendering thereof. It is understood that both input and output data may be stored in memory 26 as part of stored data 28.

[0027] One or more processors 24 may perform one or more of the functions described herein with reference to the disclosed system and / or methods. The memory 26 may be a computer-readable storage medium capable of storing computer-executable instructions and / or information for performing the functions described herein with reference to the disclosed system and / or methods.

[0028] While the features of the power supply advisor system 18 are described herein with reference to a gas turbine, it should be understood that embodiments of the power supply advisor system 18 are not limited to use with gas turbines alone, but rather these embodiments can be used to generate a flexible base roadmap with extended operating space suitable for other types of power generation assets.

[0029] Figure 3 is a block diagram 30 showing exemplary data inputs and data outputs for a flexible baseload generation component 20 in the power supply advisor system 18 shown in Figure 2, according to one embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, the block diagram in Figure 3 shows that the flexible baseload generation component 20 is configured to utilize one or more algorithms 32 that operate on baseload parameter data 34 in order to generate a flexible baseload map 36. The baseload parameter data 34 may include baseload data related to the operating parameters of a power plant during baseload operation performed at multiple baseload setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions, for example. As described above, in one embodiment, the operating parameters may include the gas turbine inlet temperature, the position of the inlet guide vanes in the gas turbine, and the fuel temperature of the fuel in the gas turbine. In addition to the baseload setpoints of these operating parameters, the baseload parameter data 34 may include power output values ​​and power efficiency values ​​achieved by the power plant while operating at each of the baseload setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions during baseload operation. One or more algorithms 32 of the flexible base load generation component 20 can generate a flexible base roadmap 36 using base load parameter data 34. Further details of one or more algorithms 32 and the flexible base roadmap 36 are described below with reference to Figures 4 and 5, respectively.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the algorithm 32 for generating a flexible base load map 36 begins with step 38, during base load operation performed at multiple base load setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions, a plurality of base load data related to the operating parameters of the power plant are acquired. In one embodiment, the operating parameters from which base load data are acquired may include, but are not limited to, the gas turbine inlet temperature, the position of the inlet guide vanes in the gas turbine, and the fuel temperature of the fuel in the gas turbine.

[0031] The step of acquiring base load data may include the step of receiving, collecting, or acquiring data using one of several well-known methods. In one embodiment, the base load data may generally be referred to herein as “data resources” and may reside in data libraries, data resources, and data repositories connected to the power supply advisor system 18, which are specifically connected to the flexible base load map generation component 20 via a communication line, or data is exchanged via such communication line. These data resources may include, but are not limited to, several types of data, including operational data related to operational parameters and ambient data. The ambient data may include information related to ambient conditions in the plant, such as ambient air temperature, ambient air humidity, and / or ambient air pressure. The operational data and ambient data may each include data related to historical records, current state data, and / or forecasts. For example, the data resources may include current and projected weather or climate information, current and projected market conditions, usage and performance history records relating to the operation of the power plant, and / or measurement parameters, observation parameters, or tracking parameters relating to the operation of other power plants having similar components and / or configurations, as well as other data as appropriate and / or desired. These communication lines may be wired or wireless, and it will be understood that the data resources and the power supply advisor system 18 may be connected to, or part of, a larger communication system or network such as the Internet or a private computer network.

[0032] The algorithm in Figure 4 proceeds to step 40, where the base load data is associated with the power output value and the power efficiency value. In one embodiment, the base load data of the operating parameters performed at each of a plurality of base load setting values ​​under predetermined ambient conditions during base load operation is associated with the power output value and the power efficiency value achieved by the power plant for each of the respective values. In this regard, the flexible base load map generation component 20 can determine the power output value and the power efficiency value achieved by the power plant for each of the operating parameter values ​​at each of the base load setting values.

[0033] This data association allows the algorithm executed by the flexible base load map generation component 20 to determine the primary base load operating space in step 42. In one embodiment, this primary base load operating space represents the primary operating space that enables the power plant to achieve target plant power output and target plant power efficiency. In this regard, the plant operator can use the primary base load operating space to operate the power plant to achieve target power output and target efficiency during base load operation. It is understood that the plant operator may use the primary base load operating space as guidance when operating the power plant to achieve other target objectives. For example, the plant operator may use the primary base load operating space to maximize the operating revenue of the power plant based on the concretization of market conditions.

[0034] In one embodiment, the primary baseload operating space may be determined from a first set of operating parameters used to correlate data. In this regard, the primary baseload operating space provides a representation that correlates the power output and power efficiency values ​​of a power plant achieved by the first set of operating parameters while operating at each of a plurality of baseload setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions during baseload operation. In one embodiment, the first set of operating parameters may include inlet temperature and inlet guide vane position.

[0035] After determining the primary baseload operating space, in step 44, a secondary baseload operating space may be formed by extending it onto the primary baseload operating space. This secondary baseload operating space may be formed from a second set of operating parameters used to correlate data. For example, the second set of operating parameters may include inlet temperature, inlet guide vane position, and fuel temperature. In one embodiment, the secondary baseload operating space represents an extension of the primary baseload operating space that achieves higher plant power output and suboptimal or near-optimal plant power efficiency compared to the primary baseload operating space. In this regard, the plant operator can use the secondary baseload operating space to operate the power plant during baseload operation and achieve different objectives in scenarios where it is undesirable to operate the plant at high power and high efficiency. For example, the plant operator can use the secondary baseload operating space to maximize capacity payments for capacity or power purchase contracts entered into through the capacity market, at the cost of maximizing profits while sacrificing efficiency and impact on the service life of the power plant components.

[0036] The operation of the algorithm 32 of the flexible base load map generation component 20 can proceed to step 46, where the primary base load operating space and the secondary base load operating space are aggregated to form a flexible base load map for operating the power plant. In one embodiment, the representation of the flexible base load map provides a range of operating values ​​for the operating parameters, and the corresponding power output and power efficiency values ​​achieved while operating the power plant at that range of operating values. Because this representation includes both the primary base load operating space and the secondary base load operating space, the resulting flexible base load map provides the power plant operator with flexibility in controlling the power plant during base load operation. Specifically, the resulting representation provides a first operating space (i.e., the primary base load operating space) that the operator can use to achieve target plant power output and target plant efficiency, and a second operating space that achieves higher plant power output and suboptimal or near-optimal plant efficiency compared to the first operating space, and these spaces provide the operator with the option to control the plant according to other objectives not related to high power and high efficiency (e.g., maximizing capacity payments). This aggregation of the primary base load operating space and the secondary base load operating space can be presented to the plant operator in step 48 in the form of a visualization, such as a flexible base load map, as illustrated in one embodiment in Figure 5.

[0037] For the sake of simplicity, the actions shown in Figure 4 are described as a series of actions. It is understood and appreciated that the subjective innovations related to Figure 4 are not limited by the order of actions, as some actions may occur in a different order and / or simultaneously with other actions, depending on the innovations of the subject matter. For example, a person skilled in the art would understand and appreciate that the techniques or actions shown in Figure 4 can be alternatively represented as a series of interrelated states or events, such as a state diagram. Furthermore, not all actions shown may be necessary when performing a technique according to the innovation. Moreover, if different entities constitute different parts of the technique, one or more interaction diagrams may represent the technique or method as disclosed in the subject matter. In addition, two or more exemplary methods disclosed may be combined to achieve one or more features or benefits described herein.

[0038] Figure 5 shows one embodiment of a representation of a flexible base load map 36 for operating a power plant, which can be generated by the flexible base load generation component 20 of the power supply advisor system 18 using the operation shown in Figure 4, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 shows a flexible base load map 36 having an operating space defined by operating parameters which may include the gas turbine inlet temperature (TFire), the Mach number corresponding to the IGV position in the gas turbine (Mn), and the fuel temperature of the fuel in the gas turbine (TFuel). As shown in Figure 5, the flexible base load map 36 can include a multidimensional representation of these operating parameters. Specifically, the multidimensional representation of the flexible base load map 36 in Figure 5 distinguishes the primary base load operating space 50 from an extended portion 52 of the base load operating space that represents the secondary base load operating space. Figure 5 shows that the multidimensional representation of the flexible base load map 36 includes a three-dimensional representation of the operating parameters (e.g., TFire, Mn, and TFuel) and a two-dimensional representation of power output values ​​and power efficiency values ​​described as Δ (delta) output and Δ (delta) efficiency, respectively. In one embodiment, the three-dimensional representation of the operating parameters TFire, Mn, and TFuel is juxtaposed with the two-dimensional representations of Δoutput and Δefficiency, which are power output values ​​and power efficiency values. As shown in Figure 5, the three-dimensional representation of the operating parameters in the flexible base roadmap 36 includes a first axis representing a value associated with the inlet temperature TFire, a second axis representing a value associated with the position of the inlet guide vane IGV, and a third axis representing a value associated with the fuel temperature TFuel, while the two-dimensional representation of the power output values ​​and power efficiency values ​​includes a first axis representing Δoutput, which is the power output value, and a second axis representing Δefficiency, which is the power efficiency value.

[0039] In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the flexible base load map 36 indicates that the inlet temperature TFire, Mach number Mn, and fuel temperature TFuel are variable in the base load operating space, which covers the primary base load operating space 50 and the extended portion 52. As shown in Figure 5, the inlet temperature TFire can be in the range of 2830°F to 2865°F, the Mach number Mn can be in the range of 0.8 to 0.84, and the fuel temperature TFuel can be in the range of 600°F in the region where the primary base load operating space 50 is adjacent to the extended portion 52, which includes the secondary base load operating space, to 200°F in the region furthest from that adjacent portion.

[0040] This flexible base load map 36 indicates an operating space of optimal operating conditions for operating a power plant, such as a combined cycle power plant, so that a plant operator can use this operating space as guidance when selecting specific setpoints for the power plant's operating parameters during base load operation under given ambient conditions. In this regard, the plant operator can select values ​​for inlet temperature TFire, Mach number Mn, and fuel temperature TFuel that will produce a form of power output and power efficiency that satisfies the desired objectives of how the power plant should be operated. For example, if a plant operator wants to operate the power plant to achieve target power output and target efficiency, the operator can focus on using the operating space within the flexible base load map 36 covered by the primary base load operating space 50. In this regard, the operator can adjust the TFire and Mn values ​​to achieve target power output and target efficiency while satisfying specific objectives or concerns, using an extended operating space where the inlet temperature TFire and Mach number Mn range from 2830°F to 2865°F and 0.8 to 0.84, respectively. This adjustment may include adjusting target plant load and target plant efficiency to accommodate scenarios where it is desirable to maximize revenue, predict operating scenarios, manage power outages and availability, purchase fuel, and plan maintenance and servicing.

[0041] In another use case of the flexible base load map 36 shown in Figure 5, the plant operator can use the extension portion 52 of the base load operating space, representing the secondary base load operating space, to select optimal conditions for inlet temperature TFire, Mach number Mn, and fuel temperature TFuel when higher output but suboptimal efficiency is desirable. For example, the plant operator can choose to operate the power plant with an inlet temperature TFire of 2865 degrees Fahrenheit, a Mach number Mn of 0.84, and a fuel temperature TFuel of 200 degrees Fahrenheit. In this scenario, as shown in Figure 5, the output of the power plant increases by 4.3% compared to the point marked with a star in the diagram where the plant operates with an inlet temperature TFire of 2830 degrees Fahrenheit and a Mach number Mn of 0.8. However, such an increase in output may decrease the efficiency of the power plant. In some cases, such an operating scenario, where output is increased but the plant operates at suboptimal efficiency, may be desirable. These cases may occur in situations that include, but are not limited to, revenue maximization, forecasting operating scenarios, managing power outages and availability, fuel procurement, and maintenance and servicing planning. For example, in one embodiment, an operator may adjust the inlet temperature TFire, Mach number Mn, and fuel temperature TFuel in the secondary base load space without regard to output and efficiency. In one embodiment, a plant operator may maximize operating revenue in the spot market by adjusting the inlet temperature TFire, Mach number Mn, and fuel temperature TFuel in the secondary base load space of a flexible base load map 36 to sell electricity in a way that results in the highest possible capacity payment. In some cases, such adjustments may be of interest to a power plant operator despite the impact of resulting in suboptimal efficiency.

[0042] To provide context for various aspects of the disclosed subject matter, Figures 6 and 7 and the following description are intended to provide a concise and general overview of suitable environments in which various aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented.

[0043] Referring to Figure 6, an exemplary environment 1000 for implementing various aspects of the subject matter described above comprises a computer 1012. The computer 1012 includes an arithmetic processing unit 1014, system memory 1016, and a system bus 1018. The system bus 1018 connects system components, including but not limited to the system memory 1016, to the arithmetic processing unit 1014. The arithmetic processing unit 1014 can be any of the various available processors. Multicore microprocessors and other multiprocessor architectures can also be used as the arithmetic processing unit 1014.

[0044] The system bus 1018 can be one or more bus structures of several forms, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus or external bus, and / or a local bus using any available bus architecture, including, but not limited to, an 8-bit bus, Industrial Standard Architecture (ISA), Micro-Channel Architecture (MSA), Extended ISA (EISA), Integrated drive electronics (IDE), VESA Local Bus (VLB), Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), Universal Serial Bus (USB), Advanced Graphics Port (AGP), Personal Computer Memory Card International Association bus (PCMCIA), and Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI).

[0045] System memory 1016 includes volatile memory 1020 and non-volatile memory 1022. The Basic Input / Output System (BIOS), which includes basic routines for transferring information between elements within the computer 1012 during startup, is stored in non-volatile memory 1022. Exemplary but not limited, non-volatile memory 1022 may include read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory 1020 includes random access memory (RAM) that functions as external cache memory. Exemplary but not limited, RAM is available in many forms, such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), sync-link DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct RAMbus RAM (DRRAM).

[0046] Computer 1012 further includes removable / non-removable volatile / non-volatile computer storage media. Figure 6 shows, for example, a disk storage device 1024. The disk storage device 1024 includes, but is not limited to, devices such as magnetic disk drives, floppy disk drives, tape drives, Jaz drives, Zip drives, LS-100 drives, flash memory cards, or memory sticks. Furthermore, the disk storage device 1024 may include, but is not limited to, optical disk drives such as compact disk ROM devices (CD-ROMs), CD recordable drives (CD-R drives), CD rewritable drives (CD-RW drives), or digital multipurpose disk ROM drives (DVD-ROMs), either separate from or in combination with other storage media. To easily connect the disk storage device 1024 to the system bus 1018, removable or non-removable interfaces such as interface 1026 are typically used.

[0047] It is understood that Figure 6 describes software that acts as an intermediary between the user and the basic computer resources described in the appropriate operating environment 1000. Such software includes an operating system 1028. The operating system 1028, which may be stored in disk storage device 1024, functions to control and allocate the resources of the computer 1012. System applications 1030 utilize the resource management by the operating system 1028 via program modules 1032 and program data 1034 stored in either system memory 1016 or disk storage device 1024. It is understood that one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure may be implemented in various operating systems or combinations of operating systems.

[0048] The user inputs commands or information to the computer 1012 via one or more input devices 1036. The input devices 1036 include, but are not limited to, pointing devices such as a mouse, trackball, stylus, touchpad, keyboard, microphone, joystick, gamepad, satellite receiver, scanner, TV tuner card, digital camera, digital video camera, and webcam. These and other input devices are connected to the processing unit 1014 via one or more interface ports 1038 and through the system bus 1018. The interface ports 1038 include, for example, serial ports, parallel ports, game ports, and Universal Serial Bus (USB). One or more output devices 1040 use some of the same types of ports as the input devices 1036. Therefore, for example, a USB port may be used to provide input to the computer 1012, and then information may be output from the computer 1012 to the output device 1040. The output adapter 1042 is provided to indicate that some output devices 1040, such as monitors, speakers, and printers, require dedicated adapters. The output adapter 1042 includes, but is not limited to, video cards and sound cards that provide means of connection between the output devices 1040 and the system bus 1018. Other devices and / or systems of devices provide both input and output functions, such as one or more remote computers 1044.

[0049] Computer 1012 can operate in a network environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as one or more remote computers 1044. One or more remote computers 1044 can be personal computers, servers, routers, network PCs, workstations, microprocessor-based devices, peer devices, or other common network nodes, and typically include many or all of the elements described for computer 1012. For brevity, only the memory storage device 1046 is illustrated together with one or more remote computers 1044. One or more remote computers 1044 are logically connected to computer 1012 via network interface 1048 and then physically connected via communication connection 1050. Network interface 1048 encompasses communication networks such as local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs). LAN technologies include fiber-distributed data interfaces (FDDI), copper-distributed data interfaces (CDDI), Ethernet / IEEE 802.3, and token ring / IEEE 802.5. WAN technologies include, but are not limited to, point-to-point links, circuit-switched networks such as Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and its variations, packet-switched networks, and digital subscriber lines (DSL).

[0050] One or more communication connections 1050 refer to hardware or software used to connect the network interface 1048 to the system bus 1018. While the communication connections 1050 are illustrated for brevity within the computer 1012, they may also be located outside the computer 1012. The hardware or software required for connection to the network interface 1048 includes, for illustrative purposes only, internal and external technologies such as standard telephone-grade modems, cable modems and DSL modems, ISDN adapters, and Ethernet cards.

[0051] Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of a sample computing environment 1100 in which the disclosed subject matter can interact with each other. The sample computing environment 1100 comprises one or more clients 1102. One or more clients 1102 may be hardware and / or software (e.g., threads, processes, computing devices, etc.). The sample computing environment 1100 further comprises one or more servers 1104. One or more servers 1104 may also be hardware and / or software (e.g., threads, processes, computing devices, etc.). Server 1104 may house threads for performing transformations, for example, by using one or more embodiments as described herein. The communication that can be performed between clients 1102 and servers 1104 may be in the form of data packets adapted for transmission between two or more computer processes. The sample computing environment 1100 comprises a communication framework 1106 that can be used to facilitate communication between one or more clients 1102 and one or more servers 1104. One or more clients 1102 are operably connected to one or more client data stores 1108, which can be used to store local information for one or more clients 1102. Similarly, one or more servers 1104 are operably connected to one or more server data stores 1110, which can be used to store local information for server 1104.

[0052] The above description of embodiments illustrating the disclosure of this subject matter, including those described in the abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive, nor is it intended to limit the disclosed embodiments to the forms shown herein. Certain embodiments and examples are described herein for illustrative purposes only, and various modifications are possible thereto, and such modifications are considered to fall within the scope of such embodiments and examples, as would be recognizable to those skilled in the art. Therefore, since certain modifications can be made to the invention described above without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth herein, all of the subject matter described above shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted only as examples illustrating the concept of the invention as set forth herein, and not as limiting the invention.

[0053] In this regard, while the disclosed subject matter is described in relation to various embodiments and corresponding drawings, it is understood that, where applicable, other similar embodiments can be used without departing from the disclosed subject matter to perform the same, similar, alternative, or substitute functions as the disclosed subject matter, or that modifications and additions can be made to the embodiments described. Accordingly, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, but rather should be interpreted broadly in accordance with the appended claims below. For example, when referring to “one embodiment” of the present invention, it is not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of further embodiments that also incorporate the described features.

[0054] In the attached claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as plain English synonyms for “comprising” and “wherein,” respectively. Furthermore, in the following claims, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” “upper,” “lower,” “bottom,” and “top” are used merely as markers and are not intended to impose numerical or positional requirements on those objects. The terms “substantially,” “generally,” and “about” indicate conditions within manufacturing and assembly tolerances that are achievable without difficulty for an ideal desired condition suitable for achieving the functional purpose of the component or assembly. Furthermore, the following limitations in the claims are not written in a means-plus-function format, nor are they intended to be interpreted in that way, unless such limitations in the claims explicitly use the phrase "means for," which is followed by a description of a function lacking further structure.

[0055] Furthermore, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or." That is, unless otherwise specified or it is clear from the context, "X uses A or B" is intended to mean either of the natural inclusive substitutions. In other words, if X uses A, or X uses B, or X uses both A and B, the condition "X uses A or B" is satisfied in any of the aforementioned cases. Moreover, the articles "a" and "an" used in this specification and the accompanying drawings should generally be interpreted as meaning "one or plural" unless otherwise specified or it is clear from the context that they refer to a singular form.

[0056] The foregoing includes examples of systems and methods illustrating the subject matter disclosed. Naturally, it is impossible to describe here every possible combination of components or methods. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many more combinations and substitutions of the claimed subject matter are possible. Furthermore, to the extent that “includes,” “has,” and “possesses,” etc., are used in the modes for carrying out the invention, claims, appendices, and drawings, such terms are intended to be as comprehensive as the term “comprising,” as the term “comprising” is used as a transitional term in the claims. That is, unless explicitly stated otherwise, embodiments “comprising,” “including,” or “having” an element or a number of elements having a particular characteristic may include additional such elements that do not possess that characteristic.

[0057] This specification discloses several embodiments of the present invention, including the best mode, and enables those skilled in the art to practice embodiments of the present invention, including the fabrication and use of any apparatus or system, and the execution of any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and may include other embodiments that are conceivable to those skilled in the art. Such other embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the language of the claims.

[0058] Further aspects of the present invention are provided by the subject matter of the following sections.

[0059] A method for generating guidance for operating a power plant having at least one gas turbine to meet baseload power demand, the method comprising: a step of acquiring a plurality of baseload data related to the operating parameters of the power plant during baseload operation at a plurality of baseload setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions, using a system comprising at least one processor, wherein the operating parameters include the gas turbine inlet temperature, the position of the inlet guide vanes in the gas turbine, and the fuel temperature of the fuel in the gas turbine; a step of associating the plurality of baseload data related to the operating parameters with power output values ​​and power efficiency values ​​achieved by the power plant while operating at each of the plurality of baseload setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions during baseload operation using the system; and a step of determining a primary baseload operating space using the system from the association between the plurality of baseload data related to a first set of operating parameters and the power output values ​​and power efficiency values ​​achieved, wherein the primary baseload operating space is the baseload operating space The system provides a representation relating power output and power efficiency values ​​of a power plant achieved in a first set of operating parameters while operating at each of several base load setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions during operation, wherein the first set of operating parameters includes inlet temperature and inlet guide vane position, and the primary base load operating space represents the primary operating space for achieving target plant power output and target plant power efficiency; the system extends the primary base load operating space using a portion of several base load data related to a second set of operating parameters of the power plant, wherein the second set of operating parameters includes inlet temperature, inlet guide vane position, and fuel temperature, and the extended portion of the base load operating space represents a secondary base load operating space that achieves higher plant power output and suboptimal plant power efficiency compared to the primary base load operating space; and the system generates a representation of a flexible base load map for operating the power plant, wherein the flexible base load map comprises the primary base load operating space andA method comprising the steps of: providing the operator of a power plant with flexibility in controlling the power plant during base-load operation; the flexible base-load map representation includes an aggregated extension of the base-load operating space, and provides a range of operating values ​​for the operating parameters, and corresponding power output and power efficiency values ​​achieved while the power plant is operating within that range of operating values; and providing the operator with flexibility in controlling the power plant during base-load operation.

[0060] The method described in the preceding section, wherein the step of generating a flexible base roadmap representation includes the step of generating a visualization representation of a combination of the primary base load operating space and an extended portion thereof using the system.

[0061] The visualization representation includes a multidimensional representation of a flexible base roadmap, as described in one of the preceding sections.

[0062] A flexible multidimensional representation of a base roadmap is the method described in any of the preceding sections, which distinguishes the primary base load operating space from its extended portion.

[0063] A multidimensional representation of a flexible base roadmap, comprising a three-dimensional representation of operating parameters and a two-dimensional representation of power output values ​​and power efficiency values, wherein the three-dimensional representation of operating parameters is juxtaposed with the two-dimensional representation of power output values ​​and power efficiency values, as described in any of the preceding sections.

[0064] The method according to any of the preceding sections, wherein the three-dimensional representation of the operating parameters includes a first axis representing a value associated with the inlet temperature, a second axis representing a value associated with the position of the inlet guide vane, and a third axis representing a value associated with the fuel temperature, while the two-dimensional representation of the power output value and the power efficiency value includes a first axis representing the power output value and a second axis representing the power efficiency value.

[0065] The method in any of the preceding sections, wherein the step of acquiring multiple base load data related to operating parameters includes the step of acquiring multiple operating data of the plant over the operating range associated with each segment of the primary base load operating space and the extension portion thereof, as well as multiple ambient temperature data, using the system.

[0066] The power plant in question is a combined cycle power plant, as described in any of the preceding sections.

[0067] A system comprising a memory for storing executable components and at least one processor operably coupled to the memory for executing the executable components, wherein the executable component is a flexible base load map generating component for generating a flexible base load map for operating a power plant having at least one gas turbine to meet base load power demand, the flexible base load map generating component includes the steps of: acquiring a plurality of base load data related to the operating parameters of the power plant during base load operation performed at a plurality of base load setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions, the operating parameters including the gas turbine inlet temperature, the position of the inlet guide vanes in the gas turbine, and the fuel temperature of the fuel in the gas turbine; and obtaining the plurality of base load data related to the operating parameters, the power output value and power efficiency achieved by the power plant while operating at each of the plurality of base load setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions during base load operation. Steps include: associating rate values ​​with the processor; determining a primary base load operating space by the processor from the association of multiple base load data associated with a first set of operating parameters with the power output and power efficiency values ​​to be achieved, wherein the primary base load operating space provides a representation of the power output and power efficiency values ​​of the power plant achieved with the first set of operating parameters while operating at each of a plurality of base load setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions during base load operation, the first set of operating parameters including inlet temperature and inlet guide vane position, and the primary base load operating space represents a primary operating space for achieving target plant power output and target plant power efficiency; and extending the primary base load operating space by the processor using a portion of multiple base load data associated with a second set of operating parameters of the power plant, the second set of operating parameters including inlet temperature, inlet guide vane position, and fuel temperature, and the extended portion of the base load operating space isA system including a flexible base load map generation component configured to perform a method comprising: a step of representing a secondary base load operating space that achieves higher plant power output and suboptimal plant power efficiency compared to a primary base load operating space; a step of generating a flexible base load map representation for operating a power plant, wherein the flexible base load map includes an aggregate of the primary base load operating space and an extended portion thereof, and the flexible base load map representation provides a range of operating values ​​for operating parameters, and corresponding power output and power efficiency values ​​achieved while operating the power plant at that range of operating values; and a step of providing the power plant operator with flexibility in controlling the power plant during base load operation.

[0068] The system described in the preceding section includes the step of generating a flexible base roadmap representation, which involves the processor generating a visualization representation of a combination of the primary base load operating space and an extended portion thereof.

[0069] The visualization representation includes a multidimensional representation of a flexible base roadmap, as described in one of the preceding sections.

[0070] A flexible multidimensional representation of a base roadmap is a system described in one of the preceding sections, which distinguishes the primary base load operating space from its extended portion.

[0071] A flexible multidimensional representation of the base roadmap includes a three-dimensional representation of the operating parameters and a two-dimensional representation of the power output value and power efficiency value, wherein the three-dimensional representation of the operating parameters is juxtaposed with the two-dimensional representation of the power output value and power efficiency value, as described in any of the preceding sections.

[0072] The system described in any of the preceding sections, wherein the three-dimensional representation of the operating parameters includes a first axis representing values ​​associated with inlet temperature, a second axis representing values ​​associated with the position of the inlet guide vane, and a third axis representing values ​​associated with fuel temperature, while the two-dimensional representation of the power output value and power efficiency value includes a first axis representing the power output value and a second axis representing the power efficiency value.

[0073] The power plant in question is a system described in any of the preceding sections, including a combined cycle power plant.

[0074] A non-temporary computer-readable medium storing executable instructions that, in response to execution, cause a system comprising at least one processor to perform an operation aimed at generating a flexible base load map for operating a power plant having at least one gas turbine to meet base load power demand, wherein the operation comprises the steps of: acquiring a plurality of base load data related to operating parameters of the power plant during base load operation performed at a plurality of base load setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions, wherein the operating parameters include the gas turbine inlet temperature, the position of the inlet guide vanes in the gas turbine, and the fuel temperature of the fuel in the gas turbine; associating the plurality of base load data related to the operating parameters with power output values ​​and power efficiency values ​​achieved by the power plant while operating at each of the plurality of base load setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions during base load operation; and determining a primary base load operating space from the association between the plurality of base load data related to a first set of operating parameters and the power output values ​​and power efficiency values ​​achieved. Steps include: providing a representation relating power output and power efficiency values ​​of a power plant achieved in a first set of operating parameters while operating in each of a plurality of base load setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions during base load operation, wherein the first set of operating parameters includes inlet temperature and inlet guide vane position, and the primary base load operating space represents a primary operating space for achieving target plant power output and target plant power efficiency; extending the primary base load operating space using a portion of a plurality of base load data related to a second set of operating parameters of the power plant, wherein the second set of operating parameters includes inlet temperature, inlet guide vane position, and fuel temperature, and the extended portion of the base load operating space represents a secondary base load operating space that achieves higher plant power output and suboptimal plant power efficiency compared to the primary base load operating space; and generating a representation of a flexible base load map for operating the power plant, wherein the flexible base load map representsA non-temporary computer-readable medium comprising the steps of: providing a representation of a flexible base load map that includes a primary base load operating space and an extension thereof, wherein the representation of the flexible base load map provides operating values ​​within a certain range of operating parameters, and corresponding power output and power efficiency values ​​achieved while the power plant is operating within that range of operating values; and providing the operator of the power plant with flexibility in controlling the power plant during base load operation.

[0075] The step of generating a flexible base roadmap representation includes generating a visualization representation of an aggregated primary base load operating space and an extended portion thereof, as described in the preceding section, for a non-temporary computer-readable medium.

[0076] The visualization representation includes a multidimensional representation of a flexible base roadmap, and is a non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in any of the preceding sections.

[0077] A multidimensional representation of a flexible base roadmap is a non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in any of the preceding sections, which distinguishes the primary base load operating space from its extended portion.

[0078] A multidimensional representation of a flexible base roadmap includes a three-dimensional representation of operating parameters and a two-dimensional representation of power output values ​​and power efficiency values, wherein the three-dimensional representation of operating parameters is juxtaposed with the two-dimensional representation of power output values ​​and power efficiency values, in a non-temporal computer-readable medium as described in any of the preceding sections. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] 10 Power plants 12 Gas Turbines 14. Waste heat recovery boiler 16 Steam Turbine 18 Power Supply Advisor System 20 Flexible base roadmap generation component, base load generation component 22 User Interface Components 24 processors 26 memory 28 data 30 Block Diagram 32 Algorithms 34 Base load parameter data 36 Flexible base roadmap 50 Primary base load driving space 52 Extension 1000 Operating environment 1012 Computer 1014 Arithmetic Processing Unit 1016 System Memory 1018 System Bus 1020 volatile memory 1022 Non-volatile memory 1024 Disk Storage Devices 1026 Interface 1028 Operating Systems 1030 System Applications 1040 Output device 1042 Output Adapter 1044 Remote Computer 1046 memory storage devices 1048 Network Interface 1050 Communication environment 1100 Sample Computing Environments 1102 Client 1104 Server 1106 Communication Framework 1108 Client Data Store 1110 Server Data Store IGV entrance guide vanes Mn: Mach number TFire Inlet Temperature TFuel Fuel temperature

Claims

1. A method for generating guidance for operating a power plant (10) having at least one gas turbine (12) to meet baseload power demand, wherein the method is: A step of acquiring, by a system (18) comprising at least one processor (24), a plurality of base load data (34) related to the operating parameters of the power plant (10) during base load operation performed at a plurality of base load setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions, wherein the operating parameters include the inlet temperature of the gas turbine (12), the position of the inlet guide vanes in the gas turbine (12), and the fuel temperature of the fuel in the gas turbine (12); The steps include: relating the plurality of base load data (34) related to the operating parameters to the power output value and power efficiency value achieved by the power plant (10) while operating at each of the plurality of base load setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions during base load operation, by the system (18); A step of determining a primary base load operating space (50) by the system (18) from the association between the plurality of base load data (34) associated with a first set of operating parameters and the power output values ​​and power efficiency values ​​to be achieved, wherein the primary base load operating space (50) provides a representation of the association between the power output values ​​and power efficiency values ​​of the power plant (10) achieved with the first set of operating parameters while operating at each of the plurality of base load setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions during base load operation, the first set of operating parameters includes the inlet temperature and the position of the inlet guide vanes, and the primary base load operating space (50) represents a primary operating space (50) for achieving target plant power output and target plant power efficiency, A step of extending the primary base load operating space (50) by the system (18) using a portion of the plurality of base load data (34) related to a second set of operating parameters of the power plant (10), wherein the second set of operating parameters includes the inlet temperature, the position of the inlet guide vanes, and the fuel temperature, and the extended portion (52) of the primary base load operating space represents a secondary base load operating space that achieves a higher plant power output and suboptimal plant power efficiency compared to the primary base load operating space (50), Steps include: generating a representation of a flexible base roadmap (36) for operating the power plant (10) by the system (18), wherein the flexible base roadmap (36) includes an aggregation of the primary base load operating space (50) and the extension portion (52) of the primary base load operating space, and the representation of the flexible base roadmap (36) provides a range of operating values ​​for the operating parameters, and corresponding power output values ​​and power efficiency values ​​achieved while operating the power plant (10) at the operating values ​​within that range; and providing the operator of the power plant (10) with flexibility in controlling the power plant (10) during base load operation. Methods that include...

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of generating the representation of the flexible base roadmap (36) includes the step of generating a visualization representation of an aggregate of the primary base load driving space (50) and the extended portion (52) of the primary base load driving space by the system (18).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the visualization representation includes a multidimensional representation of the flexible base roadmap (36).

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the multidimensional representation of the flexible base roadmap (36) distinguishes the primary base load operating space (50) from the extended portion (52) of the primary base load operating space.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein the multidimensional representation of the flexible base roadmap (36) includes a three-dimensional representation of the operating parameters and a two-dimensional representation of the power output value and power efficiency value, and the three-dimensional representation of the operating parameters is juxtaposed with the two-dimensional representation of the power output value and power efficiency value.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the three-dimensional representation of the operating parameters includes a first axis representing a value associated with the inlet temperature, a second axis representing a value associated with the position of the inlet guide vane, and a third axis representing a value associated with the fuel temperature, while the two-dimensional representation of the power output value and power efficiency value includes a first axis representing the power output value and a second axis representing the power efficiency value.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of acquiring the plurality of base load data (34) related to the operating parameters includes the step of acquiring a plurality of operating data of the power plant (10) over an operating range associated with each segment of the primary base load operating space (50) and the extended portion (52) of the primary base load operating space, as well as a plurality of ambient temperature data, by the system (18).

8. Memory (26) for storing executable components, At least one processor (24) operably coupled to the memory (26) for executing the executable component, A system (18) comprising, wherein the executable component is A flexible base roadmap generation component (20) that generates a flexible base roadmap (34) for operating a power plant (10) having at least one gas turbine (12) to meet base load power demand, wherein the flexible base roadmap generation component (20) A step of acquiring, by the processor (24), a plurality of base load data (34) related to the operating parameters of the power plant (10) during base load operation performed at a plurality of base load setting values ​​under predetermined ambient conditions, wherein the operating parameters include the inlet temperature of the gas turbine (12), the position of the inlet guide vanes in the gas turbine (12), and the fuel temperature of the fuel in the gas turbine (12); The steps include: associating the plurality of base load data (34) related to the operating parameters with the power output value and power efficiency value achieved by the power plant (10) while it is operating at each of the plurality of base load setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions during base load operation, using the processor (24); A step in which the processor (24) determines a primary base load operating space (50) from the association between a plurality of base load data (34) associated with a first set of operating parameters and the power output value and power efficiency value to be achieved, wherein the primary base load operating space provides a representation that associates the power output value and power efficiency value of the power plant (10) achieved with the first set of operating parameters while operating at each of the plurality of base load setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions during base load operation, the first set of operating parameters includes the inlet temperature and the position of the inlet guide vanes, and the primary base load operating space (50) represents a primary operating space for achieving a target plant power output and a target plant power efficiency, A step of extending the primary base load operating space (50) by the processor (24) using a portion of the plurality of base load data (34) related to a second set of operating parameters of the power plant (10), wherein the second set of operating parameters includes the inlet temperature, the position of the inlet guide vanes, and the fuel temperature, and the extended portion (52) of the primary base load operating space represents a secondary base load operating space that achieves higher plant power output and suboptimal plant power efficiency compared to the primary base load operating space, A step of generating a representation of a flexible base roadmap (36) for operating the power plant (10) using the processor (24), wherein the flexible base roadmap (36) includes an aggregate of the primary base load operating space (50) and the extended portion (52) of the primary base load operating space, and the representation of the flexible base roadmap (36) provides a range of operating values ​​for the operating parameters, and corresponding power output values ​​and power efficiency values ​​achieved while operating the power plant (10) at the operating values ​​within that range; and a step of providing the operator of the power plant (10) with flexibility in controlling the power plant (10) during base load operation. A flexible base roadmap generation component (20) configured to perform a method including System (18), including the above.

9. The system (18) according to claim 8, wherein the step of generating the representation of the flexible base roadmap (36) includes the step of generating a visualization representation of an aggregate of the primary base load operating space (50) and the extended portion (52) of the primary base load operating space by the processor (24).

10. A non-temporary computer-readable medium (26) storing executable instructions that, in response to execution, cause a system (18) comprising at least one processor (24) to perform an operation aimed at generating a flexible base load map (36) for operating a power plant (10) having at least one gas turbine (12) to meet base load power demand, wherein the operation is A step of acquiring a plurality of base load data (34) related to the operating parameters of the power plant (10) during base load operation performed at a plurality of base load setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions, wherein the operating parameters include the inlet temperature of the gas turbine (12), the position of the inlet guide vanes in the gas turbine (12), and the fuel temperature of the fuel in the gas turbine (12). The steps include relating the plurality of base load data (34) related to the operating parameters to the power output value and power efficiency value achieved by the power plant (10) while operating at each of the plurality of base load setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions during base load operation, A step of determining a primary base load operating space (50) from the association between a plurality of base load data associated with a first set of operating parameters and the power output and power efficiency values ​​to be achieved, wherein the primary base load operating space (50) provides a representation that associates the power output and power efficiency values ​​of the power plant (10) achieved with the first set of operating parameters while operating at each of the plurality of base load setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions during base load operation, the first set of operating parameters includes the inlet temperature and the position of the inlet guide vanes, and the primary base load operating space (50) represents a primary operating space for achieving target plant power output and target plant power efficiency, A step of extending the primary base load operating space using a portion of the plurality of base load data (34) related to a second set of operating parameters of the power plant (10), wherein the second set of operating parameters includes the inlet temperature, the position of the inlet guide vanes, and the fuel temperature, and the extended portion (52) of the primary base load operating space represents a secondary base load operating space (52) that achieves higher plant power output and suboptimal plant power efficiency compared to the primary base load operating space, A step of generating a representation of a flexible base roadmap (36) for operating the power plant (10), wherein the flexible base roadmap (36) includes an aggregate of the primary base load operating space (50) and the extended portion (52) of the primary base load operating space, and the representation of the flexible base roadmap (36) provides a range of operating values ​​for the operating parameters, and corresponding power output values ​​and power efficiency values ​​achieved while operating the power plant (10) at the operating values ​​within that range; and a step of providing the operator of the power plant (10) with flexibility in controlling the power plant (10) during base load operation. Non-temporary computer-readable media (26), including the above.

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