CHP Control Strategy Selection for Variable Energy Prices and Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of controlling CHP systems due to their size and multiple changing factors such as capacities, efficiencies, thermal and power loads, and prices makes it challenging to achieve stable and efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A control system and method that assesses various factors including power source prices, usage costs, and operational needs, compares different strategies, and selects the best performing strategy for implementation, with the ability to update assessments periodically, and designs CHP systems by estimating costs of equipment combinations based on these assessments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power sources and equipment combinations are used to meet facility needs, then system versatility and economic flexibility improve, but system complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent strategies (e.g., priority on electricity production, priority on thermal production, base load operation, etc.), each handling specific operational scenarios. This allows the complex control problem to be divided into manageable segments that can be evaluated and selected based on current conditions without requiring a single monolithic control structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects among multiple pre-defined strategies based on real-time conditions such as power prices, thermal prices, equipment status, and load requirements. This dynamic selection mechanism allows the system to adapt to changing conditions without requiring complex real-time optimization calculations, thereby reducing control difficulty while maintaining versatility.
2Productivity
If real-time assessment and strategy selection is implemented, then operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness improve, but computational requirements and control system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple operational strategies are pre-calculated and defined before runtime, each representing a different operational approach (e.g., maximize electricity, maximize thermal, balanced operation). During operation, the system only needs to assess which pre-defined strategy is most appropriate based on current prices and conditions, rather than calculating optimal operation from scratch in real-time. This significantly reduces computational requirements while maintaining operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simple, easily computable metrics to assess and select strategies (such as comparing current power prices with generation costs), avoiding complex long-term optimization calculations. This approach uses 'cheap' computational methods that can be executed quickly and frequently without requiring sophisticated algorithms or extensive computing resources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If periodic updates of factor assessments are performed, then system adaptability to changing conditions improves, but control system resource consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs assessments and strategy selections at periodic intervals (e.g., hourly, daily, or weekly) rather than continuously. This periodic update approach allows the system to adapt to changing conditions (power prices, thermal prices, equipment status) while avoiding excessive computational resource consumption and operational complexity that would result from continuous real-time optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system and method for achieving economic operation of CHP systems. A plurality of factors, including power source prices and operational needs, are assessed using multiple strategies. The solutions achieved by each strategy are compared, and the best performing strategy is selected. The solution can then be implemented. The assessment of factors and strategies can be updated periodically. A further embodiment includes a method of designing a CHP system using similar methods applied to simulated or estimated future loads and costs.