Asset Allocator Control for Automated Central Plant Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for formulating mathematical models to optimize the operation of central plants are manual and time-consuming, making it challenging to efficiently allocate energy loads across assets in central energy facilities.
Innovation Solution
An automated method for formulating economic model predictive control (EMPC) problems using an asset allocator that receives a physical layout model of the central plant, identifies interconnected systems, discovers cycles, and groups equipment to optimize resource allocation and minimize operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual methods are used to formulate mathematical models for EMPC optimization, then the formulation process can be completed with simple tools, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically formulates EMPC mathematical models by receiving plant layout data and autonomously generating optimization formulations, eliminating the need for manual model creation by engineers while significantly reducing formulation time and effort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes of model formulation with an automated computational system that uses algorithms to generate mathematical models, transitioning from human-driven manual work to machine-driven automatic generation
2Productivity
If automated formulation methods are implemented, then formulation time is reduced and productivity increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated formulation system serves multiple functions including receiving plant layout data, automatically generating mathematical models, and outputting optimization formulations, making it a universal tool that handles the entire model formulation process without requiring separate manual steps
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an automated formulation engine as an intermediary between plant layout data and EMPC optimization requirements, translating physical plant configurations into mathematical optimization models through algorithmic processing
3Device complexity
If manual model formulation is used, then system complexity remains low, but the ability to optimally allocate energy loads across assets is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system independently analyzes plant layouts and generates appropriate mathematical models tailored to specific plant configurations, enabling the system to adapt to various energy allocation scenarios without requiring manual reconfiguration or simplification
Data Source
AI summary
A control system configured to serve one or more energy loads in a building comprises equipment configured to consume, produce, or store one or more resources including electricity, water, natural gas, steam, hot thermal energy, cold thermal energy, or electrical energy. The control system includes an asset allocator configured to receive an input model that describes a physical layout of the equipment and create a net list that defines connections between the equipment using the input model. The asset allocator is configured to discover one or more systems of interconnected equipment and one or more groups of equipment using the net list, formulate an optimization problem using the systems and groups of equipment, and operate the equipment according to the optimization problem.