Linear Program Control Output Stabilization for Heliostats

Solution Overview

Problem

Concentrating solar thermal power plants face instability due to linear program optimizers being sensitive to input conditions, leading to undesirable behavior when optimal solutions are non-unique and fluctuate over time.

Innovation Solution

A processor determines a full space of optimal solutions to a linear function based on input parameters and constraints, selecting a point within this space that remains stable under small perturbations, such as the centroid or average position of a convex shape, using methods like the simplex algorithm, to stabilize the output of heliostat control systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a linear program optimizer with non-unique optimal solutions is used, then the system can find optimal solutions to the linear function, but the output becomes very sensitive to input conditions and fluctuates when inputs change over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of optimal solution outputVSAvoidsensitivity to input conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-calculates the full space of optimal solutions before control inputs are applied. By determining the complete set of optimal solutions in advance and selecting a representative point (such as the centroid) from this space, the system establishes a stable baseline that is less sensitive to subsequent input fluctuations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary selection process that chooses a representative point from the full space of optimal solutions. This intermediary point acts as a mediator between the multiple optimal solutions and the control system, providing a stable output that reduces sensitivity to input condition changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the linear program optimizer selects from non-unique optimal solutions, then the system has flexibility in solution selection, but this leads to undesirable behavior and large fluctuations in the control system output

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of solar thermal power plantVSAvoidstability of control system output

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-calculates the full space of optimal solutions before control inputs are applied. By determining the complete set of optimal solutions in advance and selecting a representative point (such as the centroid) from this space, the system establishes a stable baseline that is less sensitive to subsequent input fluctuations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter selection from vertex-based solutions to a centroid-based solution within the full space. By selecting the centroid (average position of vertices) as the representative point, the system transforms the output parameter to achieve both optimality and stability, reducing large fluctuations while maintaining efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If small perturbations to input parameters cause large changes in the selected optimal solution, then the system can adapt to different conditions, but this results in undesirable behavior and instability in the solar thermal power plant operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse to input parameter changesVSAvoidoperational stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-calculates the full space of optimal solutions before control inputs are applied. By determining the complete set of optimal solutions in advance and selecting a representative point (such as the centroid) from this space, the system establishes a stable baseline that is less sensitive to subsequent input fluctuations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors input parameters and adjusts the selection within the full space of optimal solutions. By selecting the centroid as the representative point, the system provides a stable feedback output that minimizes large changes in response to small input perturbations, thereby improving operational stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9575480B1Solution stabilization for linear program-based control systems

Publication Date: 2017.02.21 SEPCOIII ELECTRIC POWER CONSTR CO LTD

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for choosing a point from a set of optimal solutions defined as the output of a problem in such a way that small perturbations to the input variables of the problem may reliably produce small changes to the output. Embodiments may determine the optimal point for concentrating solar thermal power plants utilizing heliostats, based on a linear function, one or more constraints, and a determined space of optimal solutions.