Optimal Load Distribution System for Power Plant Fuel Cost Minimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power plant load distribution methods rely on operator experience and are inefficient in minimizing power transmission costs, with existing optimization models being overly complex and requiring numerous input parameters.
Innovation Solution
An optimal load distribution system that calculates and displays a schedule minimizing fuel costs among multiple units with a minimal number of input parameters, using data inputting, calculating, and displaying means to visualize fuel cost curves and transmission schedules, allowing for offline calculations and comparison of conventional vs. optimal distributions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If real-time optimization calculation is carried out based on sensor information from actual plant, then energy saving and efficiency improvement are achieved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores optimal load distribution patterns for various total output values before actual operation. The offline calculation system computes fuel cost curves and optimal distribution patterns in advance, storing them in a database. During real operation, the system only needs to query pre-computed data based on current total output, avoiding complex real-time calculations while maintaining optimization effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified copies of the optimization problem by pre-computing and storing optimal distribution patterns for different total output scenarios. Instead of solving the complex optimization problem in real-time, the system uses pre-computed lookup tables that contain the essential optimization information, dramatically reducing computational complexity during operation
2Measurement precision
If complex optimization model with many input parameters is constructed, then calculation precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in setting parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates the complex parameter setting task from the operational phase. All complex parameter inputs (fuel costs, efficiency characteristics, operational constraints) are collected and processed during an offline setup phase. The operational system only requires simple inputs like total output value, automatically retrieving all other parameters from pre-stored data, making operation straightforward while maintaining calculation precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs all complex parameter configuration and validation in advance during offline setup. The offline calculation system establishes fuel cost curves, efficiency characteristics, and operational constraints before actual use. During operation, these parameters are automatically retrieved without requiring operator intervention, eliminating the burden of complex parameter setting while preserving calculation accuracy
3Ease of operation
If offline calculation is used to simplify operation, then ease of operation is improved, but real-time adaptability to actual plant conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates optimal distribution patterns based on comprehensive plant specifications and fuel cost data before operation. These pre-computed patterns are stored and automatically selected based on actual real-time conditions (total output, fuel prices). The offline calculation incorporates all necessary plant characteristics, enabling simple real-time operation that remains adapted to actual conditions through automatic data retrieval and application
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors actual plant operating conditions (total output, fuel costs) and automatically selects appropriate pre-computed optimal distribution patterns from the database. The system compares actual conditions with pre-stored patterns and applies the most suitable optimization scheme, maintaining adaptability to real-time conditions while keeping the operational interface simple
Data Source
AI summary
A system manages an optimal load distribution of a total output of a power plant composed of a plurality of units. Plant specifications data of each unit required for optimal load distribution is input and stored. Optimal load distribution calculating carries out a calculation based on data stored. The result of the calculation is stored. A sending-end characteristic curve, a fuel cost curve, a curve of the load optimally distributed to each unit versus the total output, a fuel cost curve for the total output, and fuel cost curves for comparison between a conventional load distribution and the optimal load distribution based on stored data are displayed. An optimal load distribution schedule displays a power transmission time schedule table, a power transmission time schedule curve, and a fuel cost comparison table for different operating schemes.