Central Plant Sequence Modeling for Optimal Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Central plants face challenges in optimally distributing energy loads across subplants due to inefficiencies in current geometric modeling and operation point determination methods, leading to suboptimal energy usage and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the generation of geometric models for equipment sets, identification of nearest operating points, and merging of these models to optimize energy distribution, allowing for efficient operation based on desired operating points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional geometric modeling methods are used for determining operating points, then the system is simpler to implement, but energy distribution efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the geometric modeling process into distinct components: obtaining individual geometric models for each equipment set, determining nearest operating points for each segment, and merging the results. This segmentation allows for more precise local optimization while maintaining manageable complexity at each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to traditional geometric modeling by incorporating sequence of operation constraints and merging multiple geometric models. This transforms the problem from a single-model approach to a multi-dimensional space that accounts for operational sequences and equipment interactions, enabling more efficient energy distribution.
2Loss of energy
If current operation point determination methods are used, then the calculation process is faster, but energy usage optimization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by obtaining and preparing geometric models for each equipment set before determining operating points. The sequence of operation is established in advance, and nearest operating points are calculated based on predetermined geometric relationships. This preliminary structuring enables more accurate energy optimization without excessive calculation time during actual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified representations (geometric models) that copy the essential characteristics of complex equipment behavior. These geometric models serve as simplified copies that can be rapidly analyzed to determine nearest operating points, providing accurate energy optimization without requiring complex real-time simulations.
3Measurement precision
If geometric models are merged for multiple equipment sets, then load management accuracy is improved, but model processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the merging process by first obtaining separate geometric models for each equipment set, determining nearest operating points for each segment independently, and then merging the results. This segmented approach maintains measurement precision through careful integration while managing processing complexity through systematic organization of the merging steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple geometric models representing different equipment sets into a unified framework. By merging models that incorporate sequence of operation constraints and nearest operating point calculations, the system achieves accurate load management across multiple equipment sets while the structured merging process controls computational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating equipment according to sequence of operation using geometric models including obtaining a first geometric model for a first set of equipment and a second geometric model for a second set of equipment, the first set of equipment and the second set of equipment defined by the sequence of operation for the equipment, locating, on the first geometric model, a first nearest operating point based on a desired operating point, generating a first modified geometric model by removing one or more operating points that do not satisfy the first nearest operating point, generating a merged geometric model by merging the first modified geometric model with the second geometric model, locating a second nearest operating point based on a modified desired operating point, and operating the equipment in accordance with the first nearest operating point and the second nearest operating point.