Power Plant Control System Segmentation for Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for advanced control systems and methods to efficiently manage power production in power plants, particularly those configured for high efficiency with complete carbon capture, as existing systems lack comprehensive control solutions for optimizing fuel and oxidant flow, pressure, and temperature management across various phases of operation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a control system that utilizes multiple control paths to automate the regulation of fuel and oxidant flow, pressure, and temperature in power plants, including the use of calculated signals, pre-set values, and logical functions to adjust fuel and oxidant ratios, valve operations, and turbine inlet temperature management, ensuring efficient power production and carbon capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated control systems are implemented to regulate fuel and oxidant flow, pressure, and temperature, then power production efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into multiple independent control paths, each responsible for specific parameters (fuel flow, oxidant flow, pressure, temperature). This segmentation allows complex control functions to be distributed across modular components, improving manageability and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high efficiency control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts control parameters and pathways based on real-time operating conditions (start-up, running, shut-down phases). This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize power production efficiency across different operational states without requiring a completely different control architecture for each phase.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple control paths are used to regulate fuel and oxidant ratios, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different control paths apply locally optimized control strategies for specific parameters (fuel flow control, oxidant flow control, pressure control, temperature control). Each control path is tuned for its specific function, achieving high precision in fuel and oxidant ratio control while keeping each individual control module relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor actual fuel and oxidant ratios, pressures, and temperatures, and automatically adjust control outputs to maintain desired setpoints. This feedback control enables high manufacturing precision through automatic correction of deviations without requiring overly complex open-loop control algorithms.
3Productivity
If automated control based on calculated signals and logical functions is implemented, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs self-regulation through automated calculation of control signals and execution of logical functions based on sensor inputs. The system independently adjusts fuel and oxidant flows, pressures, and temperatures to optimize power production without requiring continuous manual intervention, thereby maintaining high productivity while reducing operational burden through intelligent automation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that are useful in control of one or more aspects of a power production plant. More particularly, the disclosure relates to power production plants, methods of starting power production plants, and methods of generating power with a power production plant wherein one or more control paths are utilized for automated control of at least one action. The present disclosure more particularly relates to power production plants, control systems for power production plants, and methods for startup of a power production plant.