Flexible Base Load Dispatch for Gas Turbine Power Plants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Combined-cycle power plants face challenges in maintaining optimal operational conditions during base load, as peak-firing gas turbines above their base capacity leads to faster parts-life consumption, increasing maintenance costs and potentially resulting in missed revenue opportunities.
Innovation Solution
A dispatch advisor system generates a flexible base load map that includes a primary and secondary base load operating space, providing operators with a range of operating values for operational parameters such as firing temperature, inlet guide vane position, and fuel temperature, allowing for flexible operation and maximization of revenue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If gas turbines are peak-fired above base capacity to meet peak demand, then power output is increased, but parts-life consumption accelerates and maintenance interval shortens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of gas turbine operating parameters by introducing a dispatch advisor system that continuously monitors and recommends optimal firing temperatures and operational settings based on real-time conditions, allowing the system to adapt between base load and peak fire modes while managing parts-life consumption dynamically
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters by establishing specific firing temperature ranges and operational boundaries for peak fire mode, using a flexible base load map that defines multiple operating spaces with different parameter sets to balance power output requirements against maintenance interval preservation
2Reliability
If gas turbines are peak-fired conservatively to preserve parts-life, then maintenance costs are reduced, but revenue opportunity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through the dispatch advisor system that provides continuous recommendations to operators, using real-time monitoring of turbine performance and operational parameters to guide decisions that balance revenue generation with parts-life preservation, creating a closed-loop control system for operational optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the dispatch advisor system as an intermediary between operational requirements and turbine constraints, acting as a decision-support tool that mediates between the conflicting goals of maximizing revenue through peak firing and preserving parts-life, providing data-driven recommendations that reconcile these opposing objectives
3Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed base load operating space is used, then operational stability is maintained, but flexibility in controlling the plant is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static base load operating space into a dynamic system by introducing the flexible base load map with multiple operating spaces that can be selectively activated based on operational conditions, allowing the system to maintain stability within each space while adapting between different operational modes and priorities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the base load operating space into distinct regions (primary and secondary operating spaces) with different characteristics and适用 scenarios, allowing operators to select appropriate operating regions based on whether priority is given to efficiency, output, or parts-life preservation, thereby achieving both stability within regions and flexibility between regions
Data Source
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AI summary
A dispatch advisor (18) for operating a power plant (10) having at least one gas turbine (12) with flexibility is described. The dispatch advisor (18) can generate a representation of a flexible base load map (36) for operating the power plant (10). The representation can include an aggregation of a primary base load operating space (50) and an expanded portion (52) of the base load operating space. The representation offers a range of operating values for operational parameters of the power plant (10) during base load at various base load settings at predetermined ambient conditions and corresponding power output and efficiency values that are attained while operating the power plant at the range of operating values. This offers an operator of the power plant (10) with flexibility in controlling the plant (10) during base load.