Turbomachine Power Augmentation Control for Net Economic Gain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbomachine power augmentation features, such as inlet systems and spray intercooling, incur additional costs that may not be offset by the increased power output, leading to suboptimal economic benefits, especially considering market rates and ambient conditions.
Innovation Solution
A turbomachine system and method that utilizes a controller to estimate power gain and economic benefit using statistical and economic models, activating power augmentation features based on these estimates to optimize operation and maximize economic benefit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If power augmentation features are operated at high levels to maximize power output, then power gain is improved, but operating costs increase beyond desired levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation level of power augmentation features based on real-time economic analysis. The controller continuously monitors ambient conditions, power prices, and operating costs to determine the optimal activation state, transitioning between on/off or varying intensity levels rather than operating at fixed high capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the degree of power augmentation based on economic benefit calculations. When economic conditions favor augmentation, the system increases power output levels; when costs exceed benefits, it reduces or stops augmentation operations, thereby optimizing the parameter of power output against operating cost
2Power
If power augmentation features are activated to increase power output, then power gain is improved, but economic benefit deteriorates when costs exceed revenue
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously calculating economic benefit as a function of power output and operating cost. The controller uses this feedback to determine whether activation of power augmentation features produces net economic benefit, adjusting operations accordingly to prevent situations where costs exceed revenue
Solution Approach 2:
The economic benefit calculation dynamically adjusts to current market conditions including power prices and operating costs. The system transitions between activation states based on real-time economic analysis, ensuring that power augmentation operations only proceed when they generate positive economic benefit
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
The system effectively adjusts power augmentation features to enhance power output while minimizing costs, ensuring a net economic benefit by considering current and forecasted conditions, thereby optimizing the operation of turbomachines.
Implementation Method 1
the cooling coils of the inlet system may be or may include evaporative cooling coils which use water
Implementation Method 2
a spray intercooling system positioned and configured to direct a spray of water into a space within the compressor
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a turbomachine includes producing an estimate of a power gain resulting from operation of one or more power augmentation features of the turbomachine using a statistical model and producing an estimate of an economic benefit resulting from operation of the one or more power augmentation features of the turbomachine using an economic model. The method further includes activating the one or more power augmentation features of the turbomachine based on the estimate of the economic benefit.