Load Change Speed Optimization for Turbine Component Service Life

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for predicting service life consumption of components in fossil-fuel-fired power generation systems during load changes do not allow for active influence or optimization based on market requirements, limiting flexibility and competitiveness in liberalized electricity markets.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that determine current system variables before a load change, calculate a predicted service life consumption for individual components by setting a speed step and simulating the load change process, enabling adjustment of the load change to minimize service life consumption and optimize operational flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If load changes are performed quickly to meet market requirements, then productivity and responsiveness are improved, but service life consumption of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload change speedVSAvoidcomponent service life
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calculations of service life consumption before executing load changes. By computing predicted service life consumption values in advance based on current system state and planned load change parameters, the system can evaluate multiple scenarios and select optimal load change rates that balance market responsiveness with component protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts load change parameters based on real-time system state. The automation system continuously monitors current variables and adapts the load change rate during the transition process, allowing faster changes when components are in favorable states and slower changes when service life consumption would be excessive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If rigid service life limits are enforced to protect components, then reliability is improved, but flexibility and adaptability to market requirements deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent service life protectionVSAvoidoperational flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system calculates predicted service life consumption values before load changes occur, enabling advance planning and optimization. This preliminary assessment allows operators to understand the service life impact of different load change scenarios and make informed decisions that balance component protection with operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors actual service life consumption and compares it with predicted values and limit values. This feedback mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of load change parameters to stay within acceptable service life consumption boundaries while maximizing operational flexibility and responsiveness to market conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If service life consumption is minimized through careful load change management, then component reliability is improved, but load change time and productivity may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent service lifeVSAvoidload change duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calculations of service life consumption for different load change scenarios before execution. By evaluating multiple options in advance, the system can identify the optimal load change rate that achieves acceptable service life consumption while minimizing load change duration, thus reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system optimizes load change parameters such as load change rate and timing based on current system state and component conditions. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system achieves the fastest possible load changes that still maintain service life consumption within acceptable limits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP1937943B1Method and device for determining the reduction of lifetime of individual components of a fossil-fuelled power plant, particularly of a steam and gas turbine system
Publication Date: 2018.10.31 SIEMENS AG
  • EP1937943B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1937943B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for forecasting service life consumption of individual components of a fossil fuel-fired power station with regard to a load change to be carried out. The inventive method is characterized by determining, prior to the load change, actual variables characteristic of the condition of the power station, preajdusting a regulating notch of the power station producing the load change, calculating, based on the regulating notch and the characteristic variables, the load change time, and calculating a forecast service life consumption for at least a part of the individual components for the adjusted regulating notch. The invention also relates to a method for forecasting the expected load change time in a fossil fuel-fired power station. The inventive method is characterized by determining, prior to the load change, actual variables characteristic of the condition of the power station, so that the regulating notch and the expected load change time is calculated when the desired service life consumption of the individual components after load change is input. The invention finally relates to a device which is suitable for carrying out the methods.