Integrated Power and Desalination Plant Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current simulation and optimization methods for combined power generation and water desalination plants are inadequate, as they are performed separately and do not account for synergies between the two processes, leading to inefficient operation and increased costs due to manual integration of performance parameters.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an operation planning module, process simulation module, and process optimization module that integrates real-time and historical data to model, simulate, and optimize the combined installation, allowing for adaptive operation planning and optimization of power generation and water desalination processes, including water mixing and storage optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate simulation and optimization methods are used for power generation and water desalination plants, then individual plant performance can be analyzed, but the synergies and interactions between the two processes are not captured, leading to suboptimal overall operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate simulation and optimization methods for power generation and water desalination plants into a single integrated system. The computer-readable memory stores executable instructions that simultaneously model both processes and their interactions, enabling comprehensive optimization of the combined plant operation while capturing synergies between steam supply, power generation, and desalination processes.
2Measurement precision
If manual integration of performance parameters is used to analyze combined installation operation, then comprehensive analysis is possible, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual integration of performance parameters with an automated computer-based simulation system. The executable instructions in the computer-readable memory automatically calculate and integrate parameters from both power generation and water desalination processes, eliminating time-consuming manual operations while maintaining comprehensive analysis capabilities.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing simulation methods are used for combined plants, then individual process modeling is available, but adequate simulation solutions for combined operation and synergistic optimization are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal simulation system that can model both power generation and water desalination processes within a single integrated framework. The executable instructions enable the system to perform multiple functions including steam supply modeling, power generation simulation, desalination process modeling, and combined optimization, providing comprehensive adaptability for various operational scenarios.
4Ease of manufacture
If waste steam from power plants is used for thermal water desalination, then investment costs and operating costs are reduced, but the operation of the desalination plant becomes dependent on power plant steam supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation planning that adapts to varying steam supply conditions from the power plant. The simulation system models the flexible coupling between power generation and desalination, allowing the desalination plant to dynamically adjust its operation based on available waste steam while maintaining cost efficiency. This dynamic approach enables the system to respond to changing operational conditions and maintain versatility despite the thermal coupling.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This integrated system enables efficient operation planning and optimization, reducing investment and operating costs by simulating the impact of changes in plant conditions and optimizing operating points, thus improving the overall performance of combined power generation and water desalination plants.
Implementation Method 1
waste steam from the power plants or the power plant units is used for thermal water desalination to desalinate sea water or salt water
Implementation Method 2
thermal process technologies for water desalination include, for example, multi-stage flash (MSF), multi-effect distillation (MED) and thermal vapor compression (TVC)
Implementation Method 3
optimizing the water mixing process where a range of water desalination process technologies are employed
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a system and a method for planning the operation of, monitoring processes in, simulating, and/or optimizing a technical installation comprising several units that can be combined with each other. Said system comprises at least one process planning module, at least one process simulation module, and at least one process optimization module. Components for modeling, simulating, and optimizing the technical installation are stored in said modules. The interrelated modules cooperate with a data management layer via at least one interface, said data management layer making available actual measured and/or historical process data for determining parameters and/or operational data for the modules in order to plan operations as well as simulate and optimize processes. The parameters and/or operational data determined in the modules can be fed to the data management layer for further processing by taking into account the stored components.