A power supply advisor that assists in selecting operating conditions for power plants to maximize operating revenue.

Abstract

To provide a feed advisor to assist in selecting operating conditions of a power plant to maximize operational revenue.SOLUTION: The feed advisor obtains a flexible base load map for operating the power plant to meet base load power demands, where the base load map includes a primary base load operating space for attaining target plant power output and target plant power efficiency, and an expanded base load portion for attaining higher plant power output and less than optimal plant power efficiency. Both the primary base load operating space and the expanded base load portion associate a power output value and a power efficiency value of the power plant that result from a subset of operational parameter values for operating the power plant during a base load operation. The feed advisor can transform the flexible base load map into one or more visualization representations describing the revenue possibilities associated with operating the power plant based on operating values and attained power output and power efficiency.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to power generation plants, and more particularly to providing a power supply advisor that assists in selecting operating conditions for a power generation plant to maximize operating profit.

Background Art

[0002] Many power generation plants, such as combined cycle power generation 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 combust a gas turbine beyond its basic maximum output during peak demand times. A gas turbine that peak combusts beyond its basic maximum output will generate additional power output when needed, but at the expense of consuming component life earlier (e.g., combustion time multiplied by a surplus factor). If a gas turbine frequently peak combusts within its maintenance interval (or maintenance life), the consumption of component life may progress, potentially shortening the maintenance interval. As a result, the maintenance schedule may be moved forward, and additional fees may be incurred under the customer service contract. Considering these additional maintenance costs, the owner of the plant equipment assets may be more cautious than necessary when operating in peak combustion mode, thereby risking missing revenue opportunities due to the more frequent maintenance of the gas turbine.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosed subject matter in order to facilitate a basic understanding of some aspects of various embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of various embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the present disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows.

[0004] Several embodiments aim to provide solutions for advising operators of gas turbine-powered power plants, such as combined-cycle power plants, on how to select operating conditions that maximize operating profits, taking into account capacity reward mechanisms, embodied market conditions, and the consumption and maintenance schedules of power plant component lifecycles. The solutions provided by various embodiments include using a power supply advisor to obtain a flexible base load map for operating the power plant to meet base load power demand. This flexible base load map includes a primary base load operating space to achieve target plant power output and target plant power efficiency, and an extended base load portion to achieve an efficiency that increases plant power output but is lower than the optimal plant power efficiency. Both the primary base load operating space and the extended base load portion relate power output and power efficiency values ​​of the power plant, resulting from a subset of operating parameter values ​​for operating the power plant during base load operation. The power supply advisor can transform the flexible base load map into one or more visualizations that describe the profitability associated with the operation of the power plant, based on the operating values ​​and power output and power efficiency achieved as displayed in the flexible base load map.

[0005] In one embodiment, these visualizations may include interactive visualizations that allow a plant operator to directly manipulate and explore data representations in the visualization to identify and select operating conditions available for operating the power plant to satisfy any combination of several considerations for the power plant, which may include one or more of ambient conditions, operating conditions, contractual conditions, regulatory conditions, legal conditions, and / or economic or market conditions. In this regard, the interactive visualizations may be used to select operating conditions for the power plant that maximize operating revenue. For example, using the interactive visualizations provided by the Power Supply Advisor, operating conditions for the power plant that maximize operating revenue may be selected based on embodying market conditions. This selection may include selling electricity in the spot market using the visualizations, while also ensuring that the highest possible capacity payments are made for capacity or power purchase contracts concluded through the capacity market. In another embodiment, the interactive visualizations of the Power Supply Advisor can be used to predict operating scenarios and manage power outages and availability. For example, the interactive visualization of this power supply advisor could be used in 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, the interactive visualization of this power supply advisor could be used in the process of proactively setting up maintenance and upkeep programs to determine when various parts and components of a power plant should be serviced and / or replaced in order to improve the availability of the power plant while minimizing power plant downtime.

[0006] In one embodiment, a method is provided to assist in selecting operating conditions for a power plant having at least one gas turbine that maximizes operating revenue.The method comprises the steps of: obtaining a flexible base load map for operating a power plant to meet base load electricity demand using a system comprising at least one processor, wherein the flexible base load map includes a primary base load operating space for achieving a target plant power output and target plant power efficiency, and an extended base load portion for achieving a higher plant power output and suboptimal plant power efficiency compared to the primary base load operating space, and both the primary base load operating space and the extended base load portion include representations relating the power output and power efficiency values ​​of the power plant, which result from a subset of operating parameter values ​​for operating the power plant during base load operation, 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; and dividing the flexible base load map into a plurality of operating segments by the system, wherein each operating segment comprises operating values ​​within a range of operating parameters, and power generation within that range of operating values ​​in the operating segment. The system includes the steps of: determining, for each of a plurality of operating segments, the revenue generated from operating the power plant over a range of operating values ​​that achieve the corresponding power output and power efficiency values, taking into account at least one of a plurality of market conditions relating to the power generation market; generating, for each of the plurality of market conditions, a plurality of visualizations of the revenue associated with each of the operating segments of a divided flexible base roadmap, wherein each visualization of the revenue determined for each of the plurality of market conditions includes a visualization of the revenue associated with operating the power plant in each of the plurality of operating segments based on the respective range of operating values ​​and the power output and power efficiency values ​​achieved at those operating values; and displaying, for each of the plurality of market conditions, one or more of the plurality of visualizations of the revenue associated with each of the operating segments of a divided flexible base roadmap using the system.

[0007] In another embodiment, a system is provided. This system comprises a memory for storing executable components and a processor operably coupled to the memory for executing the executable components. The executable component is a power supply advisor system that assists in selecting operating conditions for a power plant having at least one gas turbine that maximizes operating revenue, the power supply advisor system includes the step of obtaining a flexible base load map by the processor for operating the power plant to meet base load power demand, the flexible base load map includes a primary base load operating space for achieving a target plant power output and a target plant power efficiency, and an extended base load portion for achieving a higher plant power output and a suboptimal plant power efficiency compared to the primary base load operating space, both of which include representations relating power output and power efficiency values ​​of the power plant, resulting from a subset of operating parameter values ​​for operating the power plant during base load operation, the operating parameters being the gas turbine inlet temperature, the position of the inlet guide vanes in the gas turbine, and the gas turbine Steps include: a step including the fuel temperature of the fuel inside; a step of dividing a flexible base roadmap into multiple operating segments by a processor, each operating segment including 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 ​​within the operating segment; a step of determining for each of the multiple operating segments the revenue generated from operating the power plant over that range of operating values ​​that achieves the corresponding power output and power efficiency values, with the processor taking into account at least one of a plurality of market conditions related to the power generation market; and a step of generating a plurality of visualization representations of the revenue associated with each of the divided operating segments of the flexible base roadmap, for each of the plurality of market conditions, each visualization representation of the revenue determined for each of the plurality of market conditions based on the respective range of operating values ​​and the power output and power efficiency values ​​achieved at that operating value.A power supply advisor system is configured to perform a method including the steps of: including a visualization representation of revenue associated with operating a power plant in each of several operating segments; and displaying one or more of several visualization representations of revenue associated with each of the operating segments of a divided flexible base roadmap, for each of several market conditions, using a processor.

[0008] 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 power supply advisor system that assists in selecting operating conditions for a power plant having at least one gas turbine that maximizes operating revenue.The operation involves the steps of obtaining a flexible base load map for operating a power plant to meet base load power demand, the flexible base load map including a primary base load operating space for achieving a target plant power output and target plant power efficiency, and an extended base load portion for achieving a higher plant power output and suboptimal plant power efficiency compared to the primary base load operating space, both of which include representations relating the power output and power efficiency values ​​of the power plant, resulting from a subset of operating parameter values ​​for operating the power plant during base load operation, 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 dividing the flexible base load map into a plurality of operating segments, each operating segment including an operating value within a range of operating parameters, and the operating value within that range of operating parameters for the power plant The steps include: a step of including corresponding power output values ​​and power efficiency values ​​achieved while operating the power plant; a step of determining, for each of a plurality of operating segments, the revenue generated from operating the power plant over a range of operating values ​​that achieve the corresponding power output values ​​and power efficiency values, taking into account at least one of a plurality of market conditions relating to the power generation market; a step of generating a plurality of visualizations of said revenue associated with each of the operating segments of a divided flexible base roadmap, for each of the plurality of market conditions, wherein each visualization of said revenue determined for each of the plurality of market conditions includes a visualization of the revenue associated with operating the power plant in each of the plurality of operating segments based on the respective range of operating values ​​and the power output values ​​and power efficiency values ​​achieved at those operating values; and a step of displaying one or more of the plurality of visualizations of the revenue associated with each of the operating segments of a divided flexible base roadmap for each of the plurality of market conditions.

[0009] 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]

[0010] [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 how to manage its operation to maximize operating revenue, 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 block diagram shows exemplary data inputs and data outputs for the operational revenue optimization component of the power supply advisor system shown in Figure 2, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This flowchart illustrates an example of the operation of an algorithm associated with a driving revenue optimization component according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This block diagram shows exemplary data inputs and data outputs for an optimized revenue / flexible base roadmap visualization component of the power supply advisor system shown in Figure 2, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This flowchart illustrates an example of the operation of an algorithm associated with an optimized revenue / flexible base roadmap visualization component according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a visualization representation of an optimized revenue map within a flexible base roadmap, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This block diagram shows exemplary data input and data output for the visualization component for the development and maintenance optimization of the power supply advisor system shown in Figure 2, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This flowchart illustrates an example of the operation of an algorithm associated with a maintenance and service optimization visualization component according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of an optimized revenue visualization representation within a flexible base roadmap for pricing in a fluctuating spot market, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14A] This figure shows examples of how a plant operator can manage a power plant using the power supply advisory system shown in Figure 2, according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 14B] This figure shows examples of how a plant operator can manage a power plant using the power supply advisory system shown in Figure 2, according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 14C] This figure shows examples of how a plant operator can manage a power plant using the power supply advisory system shown in Figure 2, according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 15] This figure shows an exemplary computing environment in which various embodiments can be implemented. [Figure 16] This figure shows an exemplary networking environment in which various embodiments can be implemented. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] The advisory functions, as associated with 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 assist operators in selecting power plant operating conditions that maximize operating revenue. In one embodiment, the advisory functions can provide guidance to operators based on the specification of market conditions when selecting power plant operating conditions that maximize operating revenue. 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. The advisory functions can also be used to help forecast operating scenarios and manage power outages and availability. For example, power plant operators 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 function to address the process of proactively setting up maintenance and service programs that determine when various parts and components of the power plant should be serviced and / or replaced in order to improve the availability of the power plant while minimizing power plant downtime.

[0014] The technical effects in some configurations of various embodiments of the present invention relate to generating representations and solutions of an energy system that advise or provide guidance on operating a power plant as flexibly and optimally as possible under various physical conditions, operating conditions, and / or economic conditions. When generating such representations, a power plant operator can select the optimal operating conditions of a power plant that maximize the profitability of the considerations of a particular power plant. These considerations of the power plant can include any number of combinations of one or more ambient conditions, operating conditions, contractual conditions, regulatory conditions, legal conditions, and / or economic conditions and market conditions.

[0015] Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram is shown representing an example of a power plant 10 for which the use of an embodiment of the present invention is suitable in providing guidance regarding a method of managing its operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. The power plant 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a combined cycle power plant, specifically, an example of a two-on-one type combined cycle power plant including two gas turbines 12 (GT1 and GT2), a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) 14, and one steam turbine 16 (ST1). Usually, the gas turbines 12 (GT1 and GT2) are heated to a high temperature. The HRSG 14 takes in the exhaust gas from the gas turbines 12 (GT1 and GT2) and generates steam that is sent to the steam turbine 16 (ST1). Both the gas turbines 12 (GT1 and GT2) and the steam turbine 16 (ST1) can drive generators to generate electric power supplied to the power grid. It is understood that the configuration of this two-on-one type combined cycle power plant is only an example of one combined cycle power plant for which various embodiments are useful. Although various embodiments are described with respect to combined cycle power plants, these embodiments are also suitable for use in other power plants including at least one gas turbine.

[0016] The power plant 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of a combined cycle power plant, and those skilled in the art will understand that the power plant may include other components. For example, the power plant 10 is operably coupled to each of the gas turbines 12 (GT1 and GT2), the heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) 14, and the steam turbine 16 (ST1), and may include components, components, machines, or devices including, but not limited to, sensors, valves, etc., and a component controller for controlling various aspects thereof. Further, the power plant 10 may include a plant controller that receives data and transmits it to the component controller or instructs the controller to smoothly perform any of several operations. It will be understood that the component controller and the plant controller may be integrated into a single controller. In any case, the plant controller may communicate with either the plant operator or some data resource. According to a particular embodiment, the plant controller can propose to the plant operator regarding the desired operating set point of the power plant 10. The plant controller can also receive instructions and commands from the plant operator regarding several different operations. Further, the plant controller may receive and store data regarding 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 the plant controller.

[0017] In a typical combined cycle power plant, the base load of the power plant under given ambient conditions can be defined by the inlet temperature or operating temperature of the gas turbine and the position of the inlet guide vanes (IGV) within the gas turbine. In this regard, the inlet temperature and the IGV position can define the operating point of the combined cycle power plant having the highest output and the highest efficiency. However, there are limits to operating a combined cycle power plant according to a defined operating point.

[0018] 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 an operator as guidance when selecting specific setpoints for the operating parameters of the power plant, the specific setpoints being shown within the operating space during base load operation under given ambient conditions. The derivation of the operating space relating to 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 35 degrees Fahrenheit) 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.

[0019] 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 increased maintenance and replacement costs to keep the power plant operational to meet baseload power demands, as well as availability issues due to servicing. 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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).In one embodiment, a component may be a device having a specific function provided by mechanical parts operated by electrical or electronic circuits, the device being operated by a software or firmware application run by a processor, the processor being internal or external to the device and executing at least part of the software or firmware application. In another embodiment, a component may be a device providing a specific function via electronic parts without mechanical parts. These electronic parts may contain a processor for executing software or firmware that at least partially grants the functionality of the electronic parts. One or more interfaces may include input / output (I / O) components, one or more associated processors, one or more applications, or API (Application Programming Interface) components. While the embodiments described above focus on components, the illustrative features or embodiments also apply to objects, modules, interfaces, systems, platforms, engines, selectors, managers, units, stores, and networks, etc.

[0024] Referring again to Figure 2, the power supply advisor system 18 may comprise a flexible base roadmap generation component 20, an operating revenue optimization component 22, an optimized revenue-flexible base load visualization component 24, a maintenance and service optimization visualization component 26, a user interface component 28, one or more processors 30, and a memory 32 for storing data 34. In various embodiments, one or more of the flexible base roadmap generation component 20, the operating revenue optimization component 22, the optimized revenue-flexible base load visualization component 24, the maintenance and service optimization visualization component 26, the user interface component 28, one or more processors 30, or the memory 32 may be electrically and / or communicatively coupled to each other to perform one or more of the functions of the power supply advisor system 18. In some embodiments, one or more of the following components may include a flexible base roadmap generation component 20, an operating revenue optimization component 22, an optimized revenue-flexible base load visualization component 24, a maintenance and service optimization visualization component 26, or a user interface component 28, which may include software instructions stored in memory 32 and executed by one or more processors 30. 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 30 may interact with one or more external user interface devices, such as a keyboard, mouse, display monitor, touchscreen, or other such interface devices.

[0025] The flexible base roadmap generation component 20 may be configured to generate or obtain a flexible base roadmap for operating a power plant having at least one gas turbine to meet base load power demand. The flexible base roadmap may include an operating space for operating the power plant according to a plurality of operating parameters. In one embodiment, the operating parameters may include the gas turbine inlet temperature and the position of the inlet guide vane in the gas turbine, as well as the fuel temperature of the fuel in the gas turbine. The flexible base roadmap may include a primary base load operating space derived from a first set of operating parameters, which provides power output values ​​and power efficiency values ​​of the power plant to be achieved over the operating space of the first set of operating parameters. In one embodiment, the first set of operating parameters may include the inlet temperature and the position of the inlet guide vane. Typically, the primary base load operating space represents the primary operating space for achieving target plant power output and target plant power efficiency. The flexible base roadmap may further include an extension that provides an operating space associated with a second set of operating parameters of the power plant. In one embodiment, the second set of operating parameters may include the inlet temperature, the position of the inlet guide vane, and the fuel temperature. Typically, the extension of the baseload operating space represents a secondary operating space that achieves higher plant power output and near-optimal plant power efficiency compared to the primary baseload operating space.

[0026] The flexible base roadmap generation component 20 may be further configured to divide the flexible base roadmap into multiple operating segments. In this regard, each operating segment corresponds to a specific portion of the operating space shown in the flexible base roadmap. Each segment is characterized by 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 ​​within the operating segment.

[0027] The operating revenue optimization component 22 may be configured to determine the revenue generated from operating a power plant based on a flexible base roadmap obtained by the flexible base roadmap generation component 20. In one embodiment, the operating revenue optimization component 22 can determine the operating revenue for each of the divided operating segments across the entire operating space indicated by the flexible base roadmap. Specifically, the operating revenue optimization component 22 can determine the operating revenue for each segment based on the operating values ​​within that range of the operating segment, as well as the corresponding power output and power efficiency values ​​achieved for those operating values, taking into account at least one of several market conditions related to the power generation market. These market conditions may include, but are not limited to, pricing in the capacity market, pricing in the spot market, pricing in the energy market, the capacity or power output provided by the power plant, capacity rates, fuel prices, and carbon dioxide (CO2) taxes. In one embodiment, the operating revenue optimization component 22 can determine the operating revenue for each segment by first identifying the revenue from capacity payments for capacity or power purchase contracts concluded through the capacity market and the revenue from electricity sold on the spot market, and then subtracting the operating expenses of the power plant, including fuel costs, maintenance and repair costs, and CO2 taxes, from the total gross revenue.

[0028] The optimized revenue-flexible baseload visualization component 24 may be configured to map the calculated revenue for each operating segment to the operating space provided by the flexible baseload map, in order to provide a visualization representation of the operating revenue generated for each operating segment. The optimized revenue-flexible baseload visualization component 24 can generate a visualization representation of such revenue in the flexible roadmap, including each of the operating segments under the evaluated market conditions. In one embodiment, the multiple visualizations that may be generated may include interactive visualizations that allow direct manipulation and exploration of the data representation in the visualization representation of profitability from the operation of the power plant to one or more of the multiple market conditions.

[0029] The maintenance and service optimization visualization component 26 may be configured to generate visualizations showing the impact of the operating space of a flexible base roadmap on the maintenance and service of power plant components, based on the operating conditions associated with each operating segment. In one embodiment, the maintenance and service optimization visualization component 26 may be configured to use visualizations generated from the optimized revenue-flexible base load visualization component 24 to provide visualizations showing the impact of such operating conditions in a revenue-replaced flexible base roadmap on the maintenance and service of various parts and components within the power plant. For example, the maintenance and service optimization visualization component 26 may determine and point out that raising the inlet temperature somewhat helps increase power output, but such high temperatures shorten the product life of parts, resulting in a greater cost to the maintenance and service of the power plant because maintenance costs are required to maintain operating costs and ultimate replacement costs. As a result, the maintenance and service optimization visualization component 26 may display other operating segments that have less impact on maintenance and service and result in better overall operating revenue.

[0030] The user interface component 28 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 28 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.).

[0031] Furthermore, input data may include market data such as spot market pricing, capacity market pricing, and energy market pricing. Other input data may include operating expenses, including but not limited to fuel pricing, maintenance and repair costs for power plant components and parts, including replacement costs, and taxes and fees such as carbon dioxide (CO2) emission penalties.

[0032] The output data that can be rendered by the user interface component 28 may include, but are not limited to, graphical renderings of one or more representations of the flexible base roadmap for operating the power plant, which are generated by the flexible base roadmap generation component 20. As described above, these visualizations may include representations of operating revenue associated with the generated flexible base roadmap, or representations of maintenance and upkeep of the power plant. Other output data that may be provided by the user interface component 22 may include, for example, a text-based rendering or a graphical rendering of a plant asset operation profile or schedule. It is understood that both input and output data may be stored in memory 32 as part of the stored data 34.

[0033] One or more processors 30 may perform one or more of the functions described herein with reference to the disclosed system and / or methods. The memory 32 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.

[0034] Further details of the flexible base roadmap generation component 20, the operating revenue optimization component 22, the optimized revenue-flexible base load visualization component 24, and the maintenance and service optimization visualization component 26, the user interface component 28, one or more processors 30, memory 32, and stored data 34 are shown below.

[0035] 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. Rather, these embodiments can be used to generate flexible base roadmaps with extended operating space suitable for other types of power generation assets, maximize operating revenue, predict operating scenarios, and manage power outages and availability while achieving maximum revenue.

[0036] Figure 3 is a block diagram 36 showing exemplary data inputs and data outputs for a flexible base load 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 base load generation component 20 is configured to utilize one or more algorithms 38 that operate on base load parameter data 40 in order to generate a flexible base load map 42. The following description focuses on the generation of a flexible base load map 42, but the flexible base load generation component 20 of the power supply advisor system 18 described herein can obtain a previously generated flexible base load map 42.

[0037] The base load parameter data 40 may include, for example, base load data relating to the operating parameters of the power plant during base load operation performed at multiple base load setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions. 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 base load setpoints of these operating parameters, the base load parameter data 40 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. One or more algorithms 38 of the flexible base load generation component 20 can use the base load parameter data 40 to generate a flexible base load map 42. Further details of one or more algorithms 38 and the flexible base load map 42 are described below with reference to Figures 4 and 5, respectively.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the algorithm 38 for generating a flexible base load map 42 begins with step 44, 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.

[0039] 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 the communication line in this embodiment and other embodiments disclosed herein. These data resources may include, but are not limited to, several forms 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.

[0040] The algorithm in Figure 4 proceeds to step 46, 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.

[0041] 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 48. 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 during base load operation to achieve target power output and target efficiency.

[0042] 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.

[0043] After determining the primary baseload operating space, in step 50, 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.

[0044] The operation of the algorithm 38 of the flexible base load map generation component 20 can proceed to step 52, 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., primary base load operating space) that the operator can use to achieve target plant power output and target plant power efficiency, and a second operating space that achieves higher plant power output and suboptimal or near-optimal plant power efficiency compared to the first operating space, providing 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 primary and secondary base load operating spaces can be presented to the plant operator in step 54 in the form of a visualization, such as a flexible base load map, as illustrated in one embodiment in Figure 5.

[0045] Figure 5 shows one embodiment of a representation of a flexible base load map 42 for operating a power plant, which can be generated by a flexible base load generation component 20 of a 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 42 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 42 can include a multidimensional representation of these operating parameters. Specifically, the multidimensional representation of the flexible base load map 42 in Figure 5 distinguishes the primary base load operating space 56 from an extended portion 58 of the base load operating space representing the secondary base load operating space. Figure 5 shows that the multidimensional representation of the flexible base load map 42 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 42 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.

[0046] In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the flexible base load map 42 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 56 and the extended portion 58. 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 56 is adjacent to the extended portion 58, which includes the secondary base load operating space, to 200°F in the region furthest from that adjacent portion.

[0047] Because this flexible base roadmap 42 shows an operating space of optimal operating conditions for operating a power plant, such as a combined cycle power plant, the 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 the 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 roadmap 42 covered by the primary base load operating space 56. 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.

[0048] In another use case of the flexible base load map 42 shown in Figure 5, the plant operator can use the extension 58 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 42 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.

[0049] Figure 6 is a block diagram 60 showing exemplary data inputs and data outputs for the operating revenue optimization component 22 of 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 6 shows that the operating revenue optimization component 22 is configured to generate optimized revenue maps 72 for each of the operating segments shown in the flexible base roadmap parameter data 64, using one or more algorithms 62 that operate on flexible base roadmap parameter data 64, economic data 66, maintenance and service data 68, and other data 70.

[0050] The flexible base load map parameter data 64 may include, for example, base load data relating to the operating parameters of a power plant during base load operation performed at multiple base load setpoints under predetermined ambient conditions. This base load data includes base loads of operating parameters such as 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 flexible base load map parameter data 64 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. Furthermore, the flexible base load map parameter data 64 may include divided operating segments, as well as their corresponding operating parameter values, power output values, and power efficiency values.

[0051] Economic data 66 may include data relating to market conditions in the power generation market that may affect the revenue generated by power plants. Such data may include, but is not limited to, capacity market pricing, spot market pricing, energy market pricing, capacity or power output provided by power plants, capacity rates, fuel prices, and carbon dioxide (CO2) taxes.

[0052] Maintenance and service data 68 may include data related to the maintenance and service of the power plant. This data may include data such as service and maintenance costs for power plant components and parts, including replacement costs. Maintenance and service data 68 may include historical and projected costs associated with operating the power plant at any of the various operating setpoints for operating parameters (e.g., inlet temperature, IGV position, fuel temperature, etc.). Other maintenance and service data 68 may include product life or wear life expected by operating the power plant at any of the various operating setpoints for operating parameters (e.g., inlet temperature, IGV position, fuel temperature, etc.).

[0053] Other data 70 may include data related to the operation of the power plant that could contribute to influencing the revenue generated by the power plant. For example, other data 70 may include ambient temperature data, such as climate change, which could potentially restrain power supply, transmission capacity, and demand. Ambient temperature data within other data 70 may include historical and forecast data, as well as information showing the impact of temperature on power supply, transmission capacity, demand, and revenue. Other data 70 may also include data related to individual power plants. For example, this data may include the maximum capacity of the power plant, the thermal efficiency of the power plant, and the component configuration of the power plant.

[0054] The following is a further description of some of the aforementioned data that can be stored in the economic data 66, maintenance and service data 68, and other data 70 shown in Figure 6, and of methods for acquiring this data. Those skilled in the art will understand that other options exist for acquiring, generating, or deriving data, and therefore the data description herein is illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

[0055] The power output of a power plant, such as the output of a combined cycle power plant, can be determined by simulating the power plant using simulation software applications such as EBSILON. In one embodiment, the simulation may be performed over a perimeter range where a flexible base load is provided. In this embodiment, it is reasonable to assume a capacity value 2C for the increment of the perimeter step. Those skilled in the art will understand that linear interpolation between perimeters can be used.

[0056] The thermal efficiency of power plants, such as combined-cycle power plants, can be obtained from the same simulations used to simulate the plant's performance, including the power output of the plant mentioned above. Linear interpolation across the entire perimeter is recommended. There are several scenarios for how this can be implemented, as it is understood that it can reflect the effects of degradation.

[0057] Both maximum capacity (megawatt) data and capacity payment (dollars / kilowatt / year) data can be obtained as values ​​entered by the plant operator. While maximum capacity and capacity payment are not expected to fluctuate instantaneously, in some applications they may be subject to yearly or seasonal fluctuations, which the operator may adjust as appropriate.

[0058] Spot market instantaneous electricity price (dollars / megawatts / hour) data is another type of data that operators can input.

[0059] Fuel price (dollars / million UK calorific value (higher heating value basis)) data is another type of data that operators can input.

[0060] Instantaneous CO2 tax rate (dollars / ton) data is another type of data that operators can input. Generally, CO2 tax is subject to local and industry regulations. CO2 tax is expected to fluctuate significantly based on location, electricity demand, and other factors. In one embodiment, the CO2 tax rate may be calculated based on the following formula:

number

[0061] It is understood that service pricing can be based on multiple factors. For example, service pricing may be expressed at different levels of overheating over the duration of a customer service agreement (CSA) that a power plant may have. In one embodiment, the service pricing number may be obtained by modeling a particular service agreement using a modeling software package such as MINI, assuming that an overheating maintenance factor (MF) is applied over the entire duration of the agreement. In this regard, an hourly rate (dollars / hour) can be derived based on the contract duration. This number may represent the impact of overheating on the combustion hardware and high-temperature gas path hardware. For example, the cost of a CSA contract with MF=1 (no overheating) and maintenance interval (MI)2 for (128,000 operating hours (AFH)) is $61,977,773 / 128,000 AFH, resulting in $483.94 / hour. The cost of a contract for 128,000 operating hours (AFH) with a maintenance interval (MI) of 2 during peak burning at 2865 degrees Fahrenheit (MF=2.23) is $149,838,286. Therefore, the hourly rate can be calculated as $1,170.6 / hour. Consequently, these figures could represent the base cost for different levels of overheating.

[0062] The replacement cost of components and their maintenance factors, for example, the replacement of the rotor, can be based on the compressor discharge temperature (Tcd) and the exposure time. In one embodiment, the replacement cost of the rotor is a constant that can be obtained from the regional team of CSA. It is understood that when the IGV moves to a more open position (higher Mn), the compressor discharge temperature (Tcd) increases. When Tcd rises beyond a certain point, it induces an abnormal MF of the rotor life. In one embodiment, the rotor MF can be estimated as follows based on the Tcd range. 850°F < Tcd < 950°F: MF = (0.0007395Tcd 2 - 0.7316Tcd + 0.0002742) / (Tcd - 958.6) Tcd < 850°F: MF = 0.8. As an example, it can be determined that the expected rotor replacement life is 160,000 hours, and the cost is $8,222,369.60. In this example, for Mn = 0.84, the rotor MF = 1.14. Therefore, the impact on the rotor life per hour can be described by the following formula.

Equation

[0063] Ambient condition data that can be used for performance correction of the power plant can be supplied or obtained from a database through typical data search techniques, or can also be input by an operator.

[0064] One or more algorithms 62 of the operating revenue optimization component 22 can use flexible base roadmap parameter data 64, economic data 66, maintenance and service data 68, and other data 70 to generate optimized revenue 72 for each operating segment as shown in the flexible base roadmap parameter data 64.

[0065] Further details of one or more algorithms 62 and operating revenue optimization components 22 will be described with reference to Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, the algorithm 62 for optimizing operating revenue begins in step 74, where segmented operating segments are obtained, generated by the flexible base roadmap generation component 20. For each operating segment, the revenue obtained from operating the power plant over that range of operating values, with corresponding power output and power efficiency values, is determined in step 76 for each of several market conditions. In one embodiment, the revenue that can be determined here includes capacity payments, spot market pricing, and energy market pricing. While capacity payments, spot market pricing, and energy market pricing are similar to specific market conditions, the embodiments are not intended to be limiting, as other market conditions may exist that may affect revenue, and therefore, the revenue of the power plant may include the capacity or power output provided by the power plant, capacity rate, fuel prices, and CO2 taxes. In step 78, in addition to the steps for calculating revenue, the expenses incurred in operating the power plant across each operating segment may be determined. These expenses may include one or more of the following: fuel costs related to the purchase of fuel to operate the power plant, carbon taxes on emissions resulting from the use of fossil fuels for power generation, or maintenance costs related to the maintenance and upkeep of the power plant. Algorithm 62 can obtain maintenance and upkeep data, such as those described and illustrated with respect to Figure 6, along with economic data. Once revenues and expenses are determined, in step 80, the revenue for each operating segment can be calculated. Typically, the revenue across multiple operating segments can be calculated by subtracting the expenses of operating the power plant within the operating segment from the sum of revenues from capacity payments, revenues from electricity sold on the spot market, and revenues from electricity sold on the energy market. In one embodiment, revenue can be calculated according to the following formula: R=(CI+P1)-FE+CO2Tax+SE), in the formula, R is operating revenue, CI is revenue from capacity payments, PI is revenue from electricity sold on the spot market. FE is the expense related to fuel purchases. A CO2 tax is a CO2 tax rate that regulatory authorities can impose. SE refers to expenses related to maintenance and upkeep. It should be understood that this revenue equation is merely one example of a possible method for calculating revenue. Such examples are not intended to be limiting, as those skilled in the art will understand that there are many equations that can be used to calculate revenue. Furthermore, it should be understood that the parameters used in the above-described revenue equation represent only one embodiment of several possible parameters, and are not intended to be limiting to various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that these parameters may depend on the type of revenue generated by the power plant and the specific expenses incurred during the operation of the power plant.

[0066] Once the revenue for all operating segments is determined, in step 82 the revenue associated with the segments is compiled into an optimized revenue map. In one embodiment, the optimized revenue map may include a flexible base roadmap divided into operating segments, each segment containing data including a range of values ​​for operating parameters, the corresponding efficiency and output values ​​achieved at those parameter values, and operating revenue measurements that can be obtained across several different market conditions.

[0067] Figure 8 is a block diagram 84 showing exemplary data inputs and outputs for an optimized revenue / flexible base roadmap visualization component 24 of the power supply advisor system shown in Figure 2, according to one embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, the block diagram 84 of Figure 8 shows that the optimized revenue / flexible base roadmap visualization component 24 is configured to generate a visualization of the revenue identification for each operating segment in the operating space provided by the flexible base roadmap, using one or more algorithms 86 that operate on the flexible base roadmap 42 generated by the flexible base load generation component 20 and the optimized revenue map 72 generated by the operating revenue optimization component 22, in order to provide an optimized revenue / flexible base roadmap visualization representation 88. Typically, the algorithms 86 map the optimized revenue map 72 into the operating space of the flexible base roadmap 42 and then generate a visualization representation for each of the evaluated market conditions. In this regard, each visualization representation of a particular market condition may include not only a representation of the operating segment of the flexible base load operating space, which includes operating parameters and operating parameters having corresponding output and efficiency, but also a representation of the operating revenue generated for each of the operating segments. In one embodiment, these visualizations may include interactive visualizations that allow users to directly manipulate and explore data representations in visualizations relating to profitability, ranging from the operation of a power plant to one or more of a plurality of market conditions.

[0068] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation performed by an algorithm 86 used by the optimized revenue / flexible base roadmap visualization component 24 to generate the visualization representation 88 shown in Figure 8. As shown in Figure 9, the algorithm 86 may begin in step 90, where a compiled optimized revenue map generated by the operating revenue optimization component 22 is obtained. In addition, a flexible base roadmap generated by the flexible base load generation component 20 may be obtained in step 92. Next, in step 94, the optimized revenue map is mapped to the flexible base roadmap for each evaluated market condition. In one embodiment, the optimized revenue map may be mapped to the flexible base roadmap for each evaluated market condition by a commercially available, well-known mapping application. After mapping, in step 96, a visualization representation of each mapping may be generated by a commercially available, well-known visualization application.

[0069] Figure 10 shows one embodiment of a visualization representation 98 of an optimized revenue map within a flexible base roadmap according to one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the visualization representation may include a two-dimensional array 100 divided to represent various operating segments obtained from the flexible base roadmap. As shown in Figure 10, the two-dimensional array 100 may include a first axis representing values ​​associated with inlet temperature (TFire) and a second axis representing values ​​associated with both the position of the inlet guide vanes (IGV) in the gas turbine and the fuel temperature (TFuel) of the fuel in the gas turbine. The two-dimensional array 100 may further include a representation of efficiency values ​​on the first axis and a representation of output values ​​on the second axis.

[0070] The visualization representation 98 may further include revenue visualization representations that can be obtained through each of a plurality of operating segments. Specifically, the revenue visualization representation for each operating segment represents the amount of revenue that can be generated from operating the power plant, based on the operating values ​​within that range and the power output and power efficiency values ​​achieved at those operating values ​​in each operating segment. In one embodiment, the revenue visualization representation may be based on a plurality of revenue visualization indicators. In this way, the revenue visualization indicators can represent the amount of revenue that can be generated from operating the power plant, based on the operating values ​​within that range and the power output and power efficiency values ​​achieved at those operating values ​​in each operating segment. In one embodiment, the plurality of revenue visualization indicators may include a spectrum of revenue visualization indicators having a low-end revenue visualization indicator, a high-end revenue visualization indicator, and one or more intermediate revenue visualization indicators extending from the low-end revenue visualization indicator to the high-end revenue visualization indicator. An intermediate revenue visualization indicator that approximates the low-end revenue visualization indicator may show lower revenue, and an intermediate revenue visualization indicator that approximates the high-end revenue visualization indicator may show higher revenue. In one embodiment, the revenue amount associated with an intermediate revenue visualization indicator can progressively increase from an intermediate revenue visualization indicator that approximates a low-end revenue visualization indicator to an intermediate revenue visualization indicator that approximates a high-end revenue visualization indicator.

[0071] As shown in Figure 10, the spectrum of this revenue visualization indicator can be represented by shading. In Figure 10, the spectrum of this revenue visualization indicator can include dotted line patterns in the form of dotted line patterns of varying densities, each representing a specific revenue amount. For example, a dotted line pattern of lower density (e.g., the lower left corner and its vicinity) can represent a high revenue amount, a dotted line pattern of higher density and darker shading (e.g., the upper right corner and its vicinity) can represent a low revenue amount, and dotted line patterns of varying densities in the range between the lower and higher density dotted line patterns can represent intermediate revenue amounts that are lower than the high revenue amounts but higher than the low revenue amounts.

[0072] The visualization indicator shown in Figure 10 represents only one possibility and is not meant to be limiting, as there are many possibilities that can be developed to represent the gradual changes in revenue. For example, a color-coded chart can be used to represent revenue. In one embodiment, green shading can be used to represent the operating segment that is likely to have the highest revenue, red shading can be used to represent the operating segment that is likely to have the lowest revenue, while lighter green and red shading can be used to represent the operating segments that are likely to have revenue that is lower than the segment that has the highest revenue but higher than the segment that has the lowest revenue, respectively.

[0073] Regardless of the type of indicator used, visualizations generated for each of the various market conditions according to various embodiments can be positioned and presented to the power plant operator as a guide. In this regard, the operator can use one or more of these visualizations to select the optimal operating conditions for the power plant to meet baseload power demand while simultaneously obtaining maximized revenue based on the concretization of market conditions.

[0074] Although not shown in the visualization representation in Figure 10, visualization representations generated according to various embodiments may include interactive visualization representations that allow direct manipulation and exploration of data representations in visualization representations relating to profitability ranging from the operation of a power plant to one or more of a plurality of market conditions. In one embodiment, such visualization representation may include one or more user-interactive slider scales configured to receive user input for moving around each of the operation segments, and one or more input and output buttons for receiving user input data and displaying output data. In this way, the operator can move each of the one or more user-interactive slider scales to control at least one of a plurality of operation parameters. In this regard, manipulating each of the one or more user-interactive slider scales will show the changes in profitability that occur as a result of changing at least one of the plurality of operation parameters.

[0075] In one embodiment, one or more user-interactive slider scales may comprise a first interactive slider scale configured to receive changes to the inlet temperature (TFire) and a second interactive slider scale configured to receive changes to the position of the inlet guide vanes (IGVs) in the gas turbine and the fuel temperature (TFuel) of the fuel in the gas turbine. For example, the first and second interactive slider scales may be configured to move toward the operating segment that provides the maximum revenue.

[0076] In another embodiment, one or more input and output buttons may be configured to receive operating data associated with the operating parameters of the power plant, as well as target power output values ​​and target power efficiency values. This allows the operator to modify the visualization representation based on any data received by one or more input and output buttons, and the modified visualization representation is then presented. The first and second interactive slider scales are also configured to allow movement around the modified visualization representation. By moving one or both of the first or second interactive slider scales in this manner, the output values ​​associated with the power plant can be displayed on one or more input and output buttons as a result of the corresponding movement of the slider scales. Exemplary examples of these functions are illustrated and described in relation to Figures 13 and 14A-14C.

[0077] Figure 11 is a block diagram 102 showing exemplary data inputs and outputs for the maintenance and service optimization visualization component 26 shown in Figure 2, according to one embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, the block diagram 102 of Figure 11 shows that the maintenance and service optimization visualization component 26 is configured to provide a maintenance and service visualization representation 106 that shows how operating conditions in the revenue-substituted flexible baseload visualization representation affect the maintenance and service of various parts and components in the power plant, using one or more algorithms 104 that operate on a visualization representation 88 generated from an optimized revenue-substituted flexible baseload visualization component 24. In this regard, the operator can use this information to evaluate the impact of the operating space of the revenue-substituted flexible baseload visualization representation on the maintenance and service of the power plant parts, based on the operating conditions associated with each operating segment. For example, an operator may use the maintenance and upkeep visualization 106 to point out that raising the inlet temperature somewhat high under certain market conditions could result in a higher cost for the maintenance and upkeep of the power plant, as such high temperatures shorten the product life of components and necessitate maintenance costs to keep up with operating costs and ultimate replacement costs. As a result, the operator may refer to other operating sections in the maintenance and upkeep visualization 106 that have less impact on maintenance and upkeep, and these operating sections would have better overall operating returns compared to sections that might potentially yield better returns if the corresponding values ​​mentioned above did not have an impact on maintenance and upkeep.

[0078] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the actions performed by the algorithm 104 associated with the maintenance optimization visualization component 26 to generate the maintenance visualization representation 106 shown in Figure 11. As shown in Figure 12, the algorithm 104 may begin at step 108, where an optimized revenue / flexible base roadmap visualization representation is obtained, which is generated by the optimized revenue / flexible base roadmap visualization component 24. Next, in step 110, the impact of these optimized revenue / flexible base roadmap visualization representations on the maintenance of the power plant is evaluated. In one embodiment, this evaluation may include a step of performing a trade-off analysis between the impact of the visualization representations on operating conditions and maintenance costs.

[0079] After the evaluation, a visualization may be generated in step 112. In one embodiment, the visualization may be generated by using a commercially available, well-known visualization application. With maintenance and servicing visualizations available, plant operators can use them to predict operating scenarios that ensure profitability is maximized and to manage power outages and the availability of the power plant.

[0080] For the sake of simplicity, the actions shown in Figures 4, 7, 9, and 12 are described as a series of actions. It is understood and appreciated that the subjective innovations related to Figures 4, 7, 9, and 12 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 innovation of the subject matter. For example, a person skilled in the art would understand and appreciate that the techniques or actions shown in Figures 4, 7, 9, and 12 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.

[0081] Figure 13 is an embodiment of one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating an optimized revenue visualization representation within a flexible base roadmap for fluctuating spot market pricing. Specifically, this embodiment demonstrates some of the aforementioned advantages of using the power supply advisor system 18 compared to methods that do not have the functionality of the various embodiments described herein. In this embodiment of Figure 13, the power supply advisor system 18 is illustrated as a base load advisor (BLA), and the non-power supply advisor system portion is illustrated as non-BLA. The market conditions considered in this embodiment are spot market electricity pricing. As shown in Figure 13, spot market electricity pricing is variable as it evaluates scenarios in which electricity prices may include $20, $40, $60, $80, $100, and $120 / megawatt / hour.

[0082] When electricity pricing fluctuates, the optimal operating point within spot market conditions changes. As shown in Figure 13, the Power Supply Advisor System 18 (BLA) takes into account the impact of Tfire and Tcd on combustion, the lifespan of high-temperature gas path components and rotors (including maintenance costs and maintenance factors), and the impact of fuel costs and CO2 taxes, and consequently, the impact of maintenance on operating expenses. By including maintenance costs and maintenance factors, as well as fuel costs and CO2 taxes, and their impacts, operating revenue increases, the availability of the power plant improves, and power outage management becomes possible.

[0083] The considerations taken into account in the embodiment of Figure 13 for the BLA portion, and all of their effects, can provide different operational assessments and recommendations than those provided by the non-BLA scenario in most scenarios. As shown in Figure 13, in the $20 / megawatt / hour and $40 / megawatt / hour scenarios, the BLA and non-BLA approaches agree not to recommend high-power operation of the power plant. However, in the $60 / megawatt / hour and $80 / megawatt / hour scenarios, the recommendations for the BLA and non-BLA approaches may differ. For example, by making different recommendations, the BLA approach can result in a +0.55% increase in revenue compared to the non-BLA approach, and the increase in revenue is 2% relative to peak burning because BLA recommends moderate overheating (Tfire increase) compared to the non-BLA approach. As a result of this assessment, the maintenance needs in the BLA approach are reduced, and therefore the power plant has higher availability compared to the non-BLA approach. In the $100 / megawatt / hour and $120 / megawatt / hour scenarios, recommendations in the BLA approach and the non-BLA approach may differ in the operating segments representing high to moderate overheating. As a result of having different assessments for the overheating segment and parts of the Tfuel segment, the BLA approach provides greater availability (e.g., 1.97%) and can accommodate more power outages (e.g., two). From the scenarios shown in Figure 13, it is clear that when power is supplied from the power plant at a required output different from the optimal operating point in a flexible baseload space, the BLA approach (i.e., the power supply advisor system 18) may propose a gas turbine configuration that supplies power from the plant with the most optimal economics possible.

[0084] Figures 14A to 14C illustrate examples of how a plant operator can manage a power plant using the power supply advisor system 18 shown in Figure 2, according to various embodiments of the present invention. As shown in these embodiments, there are several ways in which a plant operator can utilize the power supply advisor system 18 for online operational guidance and offline planning purposes. It should be understood that the embodiments shown in Figures 14A to 14C merely illustrate, and not limit, a few possibilities of how a plant operator can use the power supply advisor system 18 to manage the operation of a power plant.

[0085] Figure 14A shows an embodiment illustrating how a plant operator can utilize the power supply advisor system 18 for online guidance. As shown in Figure 14A, the nominal reference operating point 114 is Tfire = 2830 degrees Fahrenheit and Mn = 0.796. In scenarios where the gas turbine output exceeds the nominal reference operating point 114, the power supply advisor system 18 may be configured to provide the plant operator with guidance on turbine operation. Assuming that the inputs are complete and operating revenues across a flexible baseload range have been calculated, the power supply advisor system 18 and an interactive visualization screen, as shown in Figure 14A, may be presented to the operator. The visualization screen in Figure 14A may include a two-dimensional array 100 showing a segmented operating space with operating revenue evaluations for each segment, similar to those shown in Figures 14B-14C. The visualization screen may further include user-interactive slider scales 116 and 118. In one embodiment, the interactive slider scale 116 may be configured to change the inlet temperature, and the interactive slider scale 118 may be configured to change the position of the inlet guide vanes in the gas turbine and the fuel temperature of the fuel in the gas turbine. Furthermore, the visualization screens in Figures 14A to 14C may include input and output buttons 120 for receiving user input data and displaying output data. In one embodiment, the input and output buttons 120 may be used to display and input the power plant output value. In this configuration, by moving the interactive slider scales 116 and 118 within their corresponding ranges, the plant operator can control the gas turbine and power plant output settings at any position in the flexible base load space shown in the two-dimensional array 100.

[0086] Figure 14B illustrates a scenario in which a plant operator can operate a power plant to its maximum profitability using a visualization screen provided by the power supply advisor system 18. In the embodiment of Figure 14B, the plant operator can manually position both interactive slider scales 116 and 118 to detect a target point 122 that has the region indicated as the most profitable. This target point corresponds to the Tfire and Mn setpoints that yield the highest operating profit.

[0087] Figure 14C illustrates a scenario in which a plant operator can operate a power plant to a defined output using a visualization screen provided by the power supply advisor system 18. In the embodiment of Figure 14C, the plant operator can activate this mode by clicking the desired output button 120 of the input / output displayed on the visualization screen. The plant operator can then input the required output (e.g., 835 MW) into the desired output button. Once the output is input and activated by this operator action, the constant power output line 124 of the power plant is added to the flexible base load space shown in the two-dimensional array 100.

[0088] Simultaneously, the horizontal interactive slider scale 118 may be stopped, and as a result, the gas turbine is controlled by manually setting the Tfire using the interactive slider scale 116. The IGV setting of the gas turbine can then be automatically adjusted to maintain the desired output input by the operator.

[0089] To provide context for various aspects of the disclosed subject matter, Figures 15 and 16 and the following description are intended to provide a concise and general description of suitable environments in which various aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented.

[0090] Referring to Figure 15, 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.

[0091] 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).

[0092] 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).

[0093] Computer 1012 further includes removable / non-removable volatile / non-volatile computer storage media. Figure 15 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), as well as storage media 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.

[0094] It is understood that Figure 15 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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).

[0097] 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.

[0098] Figure 16 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] Further aspects of the present invention are provided by the subject matter of the following sections.

[0106] A method for assisting in the selection of operating conditions for a power plant having at least one gas turbine that maximizes operating revenue, the method comprising: a step of obtaining a flexible base load map for operating the power plant to meet base load electricity demand, the flexible base load map comprising a primary base load operating space for achieving a target plant power output and target plant power efficiency, and an extended base load portion for achieving a higher plant power output and suboptimal plant power efficiency compared to the primary base load operating space, both of which comprise an expression relating the power output and power efficiency values ​​of the power plant, resulting from a subset of operating parameter values ​​for operating the power plant during base load operation, the operating parameters comprising 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 dividing the flexible base load map into a plurality of operating segments by the system, each operating segment Steps include: a step of including a range of operating values ​​for operating parameters, and corresponding power output and power efficiency values ​​achieved while operating the power plant at the operating values ​​within that range within an operating segment; a step of determining, for each of a plurality of operating segments, the revenue generated from operating the power plant over the range of operating values ​​that achieve the corresponding power output and power efficiency values, while considering at least one of a plurality of market conditions related to the power generation market; and a step of generating, for each of the plurality of market conditions, a plurality of visualization representations of the revenue associated with each of the operating segments of a divided flexible base roadmap, wherein each visualization representation of the revenue determined for each of the plurality of market conditions includes a visualization representation of the revenue associated with operating the power plant in each of the plurality of operating segments based on the operating values ​​within each range and the power output and power efficiency values ​​achieved at those operating values; and generating, for each of the plurality of market conditions, one or more of the plurality of visualization representations of the revenue associated with each of the operating segments of a divided flexible base roadmap,A method including the step of displaying on a display using this system.

[0107] The method according to the preceding section, wherein the step of dividing a flexible base load map includes the step of mapping the primary base load operating space and the extended base load portion into a two-dimensional array.

[0108] The method according to any of the preceding sections, wherein the two-dimensional array includes a first axis representing values ​​associated with inlet temperature and a second axis representing values ​​associated with both the position of the inlet guide vanes in the gas turbine and the fuel temperature of the fuel in the gas turbine, and the two-dimensional array further includes a representation of efficiency values ​​on the first axis and a representation of output values ​​on the second axis.

[0109] The step of determining the revenue from operating a power plant across multiple operating segments is the method of any of the preceding sections, which includes the step of determining, by the system, the revenue from capacity payments for power purchase agreements concluded through the capacity market and the revenue from electricity sold on the spot market.

[0110] The method in any of the preceding sections, wherein the step of determining the revenue from operating the power plant across each of the operating segments further includes the step of determining the expenses incurred in operating the plant across each of the operating segments.

[0111] The method in any of the preceding sections, wherein the step of determining the revenue from operating a power plant across each of several operating segments further includes the step of subtracting the expenses incurred in operating the power plant within that segment from the sum of the revenue from capacity payments and the revenue from electricity sold on the spot market, as determined by the System.

[0112] These expenses include one or more of the following: fuel costs related to the purchase of fuel to operate the power plant, carbon taxes on emissions resulting from the use of fossil fuels for power generation, or maintenance costs related to the maintenance and upkeep of the power plant, as described in any of the preceding sections.

[0113] The market conditions include, but are not limited to, the fluctuating spot market electricity price for electricity sold on the spot market, the capacity payment rate for electricity purchase contracts concluded through the capacity market, the fuel costs associated with the purchase of fuel to operate power plants, and the carbon tax on emissions resulting from the use of fossil fuels for power generation, as described in any of the preceding sections.

[0114] The revenue visualization representation is selected from a plurality of revenue visualization indicators, each revenue visualization indicator representing the amount of revenue that may be generated from operating the power plant based on the operating values ​​within that range and the power output and power efficiency values ​​achieved by the operating values ​​of each operating segment, as described in any of the preceding sections.

[0115] The method described in one of the preceding sections, wherein for each of the multiple market conditions, each of the multiple visualizations of revenue associated with each of the operating segments in the segmented flexible base roadmap is positioned to serve as a guide in selecting the optimal operating conditions for the power plant so as to meet baseload power demand with revenue maximized based on the concretization of the market conditions.

[0116] The method in any of the preceding sections, which includes an interactive visualization that allows a power plant operator to directly manipulate or explore data representations in a visualization of profitability ranging from the operation of a power plant to one or more of several market conditions.

[0117] A system comprising a memory for storing executable components and a processor operably coupled to the memory for executing the executable components, wherein the executable components are a power supply advisor system assisting in the selection of operating conditions for a power plant having at least one gas turbine that maximizes operating revenue, the power supply advisor system comprising the step of obtaining a flexible base load map by the processor for operating the power plant to meet base load power demand, the flexible base load map including a primary base load operating space for achieving a target plant power output and a target plant power efficiency, and an extended base load portion for achieving a higher plant power output and a suboptimal plant power efficiency compared to the primary base load operating space, both of which include representations relating power output and power efficiency values ​​of the power plant, resulting from a subset of operating parameter values ​​for operating the power plant during base load operation, the operating parameters being gas Steps include: a step of dividing a flexible base roadmap into multiple operating segments by a processor, each operating segment including 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 ​​within the operating segment; a step of determining for each of the multiple operating segments the revenue generated from operating the power plant over that range of operating values ​​that achieves the corresponding power output and power efficiency values, while considering at least one of a plurality of market conditions related to the power generation market; and a step of generating for each of the plurality of market conditions a plurality of visualization representations of the revenue associated with each of the divided operating segments of the flexible base roadmap, each visualization representation of the revenue determined for each of the plurality of market conditions based on the respective range of operating values ​​and the power output and power efficiency values ​​achieved at that operating value.A power supply advisor system, configured to perform a method including the steps of: including a visualization representation of revenue associated with operating a power plant in each of several operating segments; and displaying one or more of several visualization representations of revenue associated with each of the operating segments of a divided flexible base roadmap, for each of several market conditions, using a processor.

[0118] The system described in the preceding section, the step of displaying one or more visualizations of revenue associated with each of the driving segments of a divided flexible base roadmap for each of the multiple market conditions, includes, using a processor, the addition of one or more user-interactive slider scales configured to receive user input to move around each of the driving segments of the divided flexible base roadmap, and one or more input and output buttons for receiving user input data and displaying output data.

[0119] A system as described in any of the preceding sections, in which each of one or more user-interactive slider scales is moved to control at least one of a plurality of operating parameters, and each of the one or more user-interactive slider scales displays the change in revenue that occurs as a result of changing at least one of the plurality of operating parameters.

[0120] The system according to any of the preceding sections, comprising one or more user-interactive slider scales: a first interactive slider scale configured to receive changes to the inlet temperature; and a second interactive slider scale configured to receive changes to the position of the inlet guide vanes in the gas turbine and to the fuel temperature of the fuel in the gas turbine.

[0121] The system described in one of the preceding sections, wherein the first interactive slider scale and the second interactive slider scale are configured to move toward the driving segment that provides the highest revenue within a segmented, flexible base roadmap.

[0122] The system described in any of the preceding sections, wherein one or more input and output buttons are configured to receive operating data associated with the operating parameters of the power plant, as well as target power output values ​​and target power efficiency values.

[0123] The system described in any of the preceding sections, further comprising the steps of: modifying, using a processor, multiple visualizations of revenue associated with each of the driving segments in a divided flexible base roadmap based on any data received by one or more input and output buttons; and presenting, using a processor, the modified visualizations.

[0124] The system described in any of the preceding sections, wherein a first interactive slider scale and a second interactive slider scale are configured to allow movement around a modified visualization representation, and as one or both of the first or second interactive slider scales move in this manner, output values ​​associated with a power plant are displayed on one or more input and output buttons as a result of the corresponding movement of the slider scales.

[0125] 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 power supply advisor system for assisting in the selection of operating conditions for a power plant having at least one gas turbine that maximizes operating revenue, the operation comprising the steps of obtaining a flexible base load map for operating the power plant to meet base load power demand, the flexible base load map comprising a primary base load operating space for achieving a target plant power output and a target plant power efficiency, and an extended base load portion for achieving a higher plant power output and a suboptimal plant power efficiency compared to the primary base load operating space, both of which comprise representations relating power output and power efficiency values ​​of the power plant, resulting from a subset of operating parameter values ​​for operating the power plant during base load operation, the operating parameters being the gas turbine inlet temperature, the position of the inlet guide vanes in the gas turbine, Steps include: a step including the fuel temperature of the fuel in the gas turbine; a step of dividing a flexible base roadmap into multiple operating segments, each operating segment including 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 ​​within the operating segment; a step of determining, for each of the multiple operating segments, the revenue generated from operating the power plant over the range of operating values ​​that achieve the corresponding power output and power efficiency values, taking into account at least one of several market conditions related to the power generation market; and a step of generating multiple visualizations of the revenue associated with each of the divided operating segments of the flexible base roadmap, for each of the multiple market conditions, each visualization of the revenue determined for each of the multiple market conditions including a visualization of the revenue associated with operating the power plant in each of the multiple operating segments based on the respective range of operating values ​​and the power output and power efficiency values ​​achieved at that operating value.A non-temporary computer-readable medium comprising the step of displaying one or more of several visualizations of revenue associated with each of the driving segments of a segmented, flexible base roadmap, for each of several market conditions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 10 Power plants 12 Gas Turbines 14. Waste heat recovery boiler 16 Steam Turbine 18 Power Supply Advisor System 20 Flexible Base Roadmap Generation Components 22 Operating Revenue Optimization Components 24 Base Roadmap Visualization Components 26. Visualization Components for Maintenance and Optimization 28 User Interface Components 30 processors 32 memory 34 Data 36 Block Diagram 38 Algorithms 40 Base load parameter data 42 Flexible base roadmap 56 Primary base load driving space 58 Extension 60 Block Diagram 62 Algorithms 64 Base Roadmap Parameter Data 66 Economic Data 68 Maintenance Data 70 Other data 72 Revenue map, revenue 84 Block Diagram 86 Algorithms 88. Visualization of the base roadmap 98 Visualization of an optimized revenue map 100 two-dimensional arrays 102 Block Diagram 104 Algorithms 106 Visual representation of maintenance and upkeep 114 Nominal standard operating point 116 User-Interactive Slider Scale 118 Interactive Slider Scale 120 Input and Output Buttons 122 target point 124 Constant power output line 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 1032 Program Module 1034 Program Data 1036 Input device 1038 Interface Ports 1040 Output device 1042 Output Adapter 1044 Remote Computer 1046 memory storage devices 1048 Network Interface 1050 Communication connection 1100 Sample Computing Environments 1102 Client 1104 Server 1106 Communication Framework 1108 Client Data Store 1110 Server Data Store IGV entrance guide vanes MF rotor, abnormal rotor life Mn: Mach number TFire Inlet Temperature TFuel fuel temperature

Claims

1. A method for assisting in the selection of operating conditions for a power plant (10) having at least one gas turbine (12) that maximizes operating revenue, wherein the method is: A step of obtaining a flexible base load map (42) for operating the power plant (10) to meet base load power demand by a system (18) comprising at least one processor (30), wherein the flexible base load map (42) includes a primary base load operating space (56) for achieving a target plant power output and a target plant power efficiency, and an extended base load portion (58) for achieving a higher plant power output and a suboptimal plant power efficiency compared to the primary base load operating space (56), wherein both the primary base load operating space (56) and the extended base load portion (58) include representations relating the power output and power efficiency values ​​of the power plant (10) resulting from a subset of operating parameter values ​​for operating the power plant (10) during base load operation, wherein the operating parameter values ​​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), A step of dividing the flexible base roadmap (42) into a plurality of operating segments by the system (18), wherein each operating segment includes an operating value within a range of operating parameters, and corresponding power output values ​​and power efficiency values ​​achieved while operating the power plant (10) within the operating value within the operating segment. For each of the plurality of operating segments, the system (18) determines the revenue generated from operating the power plant (10) over the range of operating values ​​that achieve the corresponding power output value and power efficiency value, taking into consideration at least one of a plurality of market conditions related to the power generation market. A step of generating a plurality of visualization representations (88) of the revenue associated with each of the operating segments of the divided flexible base roadmap (42) by the system (18) for each of the plurality of market conditions, wherein each of the visualization representations (88) of the revenue obtained for each of the plurality of market conditions includes a visualization representation of the revenue associated with operating the power plant (10) in each of the plurality of operating segments, based on the operating values ​​for each range and the power output values ​​and power efficiency values ​​achieved at the operating values, The steps include displaying one or more of the multiple visualizations (88) of revenue associated with each of the operating segments of the divided flexible base roadmap (42) using the system (18) for each of the multiple market conditions, Methods that include...

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of dividing the flexible base load map (42) includes the step of mapping the primary base load operating space (56) and the extended base load portion (58) into a two-dimensional array.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the two-dimensional array includes a first axis representing a value associated with the inlet temperature and a second axis representing a value associated with both the position of the inlet guide vane in the gas turbine (12) and the fuel temperature of the fuel in the gas turbine (12), and the two-dimensional array further includes a representation of the power generation efficiency value on the first axis and a representation of the power generation output value on the second axis.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of determining the revenue from operating the power plant (10) over each of the plurality of operating segments includes the step of determining by the system (18) the revenue from capacity payments for power purchase contracts concluded through the capacity market and the revenue from electricity sold on the spot market.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the step of determining the revenue from operating the power plant (10) over each of the plurality of operating segments further includes the step of determining the expenses incurred in operating the power plant (10) over each of the plurality of operating segments.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of determining the revenue from operating the power plant (10) over each of the plurality of operating segments further includes the step of having the system (18) subtract the expenses of operating the power plant (10) within the operating segment from the sum of the revenue from the capacity payments and the revenue from the electricity sold on the spot market.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the revenue visualization representation (88) is selected from a plurality of revenue visualization indicators, each of which revenue visualization indicators represents the amount of revenue that may be generated from operating the power plant (10) based on the operating values ​​within the range and the power output values ​​and power efficiency values ​​achieved by the operating values ​​in each operating segment.

8. Memory (32) for storing executable components, A processor (30) operably coupled to the memory (32) for executing the executable component, A system (18) comprising, wherein the executable component is A power supply advisor system (18) that assists in selecting operating conditions for a power plant (10) having at least one gas turbine (12) that maximizes operating revenue, wherein the power supply advisor system (18) A step of obtaining a flexible base load map (42) by the processor (30) for operating the power plant (10) to meet base load power demand, wherein the flexible base load map (42) includes a primary base load operating space (56) for achieving a target plant power output and target plant power efficiency, and an extended base load portion (58) for achieving a higher plant power output and suboptimal plant power efficiency compared to the primary base load operating space (56), wherein both the primary base load operating space (56) and the extended base load portion (58) include representations relating the power output and power efficiency values ​​of the power plant (10) resulting from a subset of operating parameter values ​​for operating the power plant (10) during base load operation, wherein the operating parameter values ​​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), A step of dividing the flexible base roadmap (42) into a plurality of operating segments by the processor (30), wherein each operating segment includes operating values ​​within a range of operating parameters, and corresponding power output values ​​and power efficiency values ​​achieved while operating the power plant (10) within the operating values ​​within the operating segment. For each of the plurality of operating segments, the processor (30) determines the revenue generated from operating the power plant (10) over the range of operating values ​​that achieve the corresponding power output value and power efficiency value, taking into account at least one of a plurality of market conditions related to the power generation market. A step of generating a plurality of visualization representations (88) of the revenue associated with each of the operating segments of the divided flexible base roadmap (42) by the processor (30) for each of the plurality of market conditions, wherein each of the visualization representations (88) of the revenue obtained for each of the plurality of market conditions includes a visualization representation of the revenue associated with operating the power plant (10) in each of the plurality of operating segments, based on the operating values ​​for each range and the power output values ​​and power efficiency values ​​achieved at the operating values, The steps include displaying one or more of the multiple visualization representations (88) of revenue associated with each of the driving segments of the divided flexible base roadmap (42) using the processor (30) for each of the multiple market conditions, A power supply advisory system (18) configured to perform a method including the following: System (18), including the above.

9. The system (18) according to claim 8, wherein the step of displaying one or more of a plurality of visualization representations (88) of revenue associated with each of the driving segments of the divided flexible base roadmap (42) for each of the plurality of market conditions includes adding, using the processor (30), one or more user-interactive slider scales (116, 118) configured to receive user input to move around each of the driving segments of the divided flexible base roadmap (42), and one or more input and output buttons (120) for receiving user input data and displaying output data.

10. A non-temporary computer-readable medium (32) storing executable instructions that, in response to execution, cause a system (18) comprising at least one processor (30) to perform an operation aimed at generating a power supply advisor system (18) that assists in selecting operating conditions for a power plant (10) having at least one gas turbine (12) that maximizes operating revenue, wherein the operation is A step of obtaining a flexible base load map (42) for operating the power plant (10) to meet base load power demand, wherein the flexible base load map (42) includes a primary base load operating space (56) for achieving a target plant power output and a target plant power efficiency, and an extended base load portion (58) for achieving a higher plant power output and a suboptimal plant power efficiency compared to the primary base load operating space (56), wherein both the primary base load operating space (56) and the extended base load portion (58) include representations relating the power output and power efficiency values ​​of the power plant (10) resulting from a subset of operating parameter values ​​for operating the power plant during base load operation, wherein the operating parameter values ​​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), A step of dividing the flexible base roadmap (42) into a plurality of operating segments, each of which includes an operating value within a certain range of operating parameters, and corresponding power output values ​​and power efficiency values ​​achieved while operating the power plant (10) within the operating value within the operating segment. For each of the plurality of operating segments, the step of determining the revenue generated from operating the power plant (10) over the range of operating values ​​that achieve the corresponding power output value and power efficiency value, while taking into account at least one of a plurality of market conditions related to the power generation market, A step of generating a plurality of revenue visualizations (88) associated with each of the operating segments of the divided flexible base roadmap (42) for each of the plurality of market conditions, wherein each of the revenue visualizations (88) obtained for each of the plurality of market conditions includes a revenue visualization associated with operating the power plant (10) in each of the plurality of operating segments, based on the operating values ​​for each range and the power output values ​​and power efficiency values ​​achieved at the operating values, The steps include displaying one or more of the multiple visualizations (88) of revenue associated with each of the operating segments of the divided flexible base roadmap (42) for each of the multiple market conditions, Non-temporary computer-readable media (32), including the above.

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