Variant Control Profiles for Combined Cycle Power Plant Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Combined cycle power plants face challenges in maintaining efficiency and extending the life of components due to fluctuations in power generation demand, which affect internal temperatures and fuel consumption, leading to potential adverse effects on system performance.

Innovation Solution

A method is developed to model and control combined cycle power plants by generating a power plant model for ambient and load conditions, creating a variant control profile that adjusts turbine section inlet and exhaust temperatures, and determining if the profile meets a quality threshold for fuel efficiency, allowing for adjustments to optimize operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the power plant operates at varying load conditions to meet fluctuating power generation demand, then the adaptability to grid requirements is improved, but the fuel efficiency and component lifespan deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to power generation demandVSAvoidfuel efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control profiles that continuously adjust operational parameters (turbine inlet temperature, exhaust temperature, fuel flow rate) based on real-time load conditions. Instead of static operating modes, the system dynamically optimizes the control strategy across the entire operating range, allowing the plant to adapt to varying demand while maintaining fuel efficiency through continuous parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by establishing multiple control profiles with optimized parameter sets for different operating conditions. The system transitions between these profiles based on load requirements, changing key parameters such as turbine inlet temperature, exhaust temperature, and fuel-to-air ratio to maintain optimal fuel efficiency across varying load conditions rather than operating at fixed parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the power plant operates at varying load conditions to meet fluctuating power generation demand, then the adaptability to grid requirements is improved, but the component lifespan deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to power generation demandVSAvoidcomponent lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic control system adjusts operational parameters in real-time based on load conditions, preventing components from operating in harmful intermediate states. By continuously optimizing the control strategy, the system avoids thermal shocks and excessive stress conditions that would occur during rapid load changes, thereby extending component lifespan while maintaining adaptability to grid demand fluctuations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements protective measures by establishing control profiles that anticipate and cushion against harmful effects during load transitions. The control system pre-adjusts parameters to prevent thermal shocks and mechanical stresses before they occur during load changes, protecting components from damage while allowing the plant to respond to varying power generation demands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Loss of energy

If multiple control profiles are established for different operating conditions, then the fuel efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal control framework that manages multiple control profiles through a single integrated system. The control apparatus selects and transitions between different optimized profiles based on operating conditions, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate control systems for each operating mode. This universal approach reduces overall complexity while maintaining the fuel efficiency benefits of condition-specific optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system utilizes feedback mechanisms to automatically select and switch between control profiles based on real-time monitoring of operating conditions. This feedback-driven approach eliminates the need for complex manual intervention or multiple independent control systems, as the single control apparatus autonomously manages profile transitions to optimize fuel consumption across different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11525375B2Modeling and control of gas cycle power plant operation with variant control profile

Publication Date: 2022.12.13 GE INFRASTRUCTURE TECH LLC

AI summary

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method for operating a combined cycle power plant (CCPP). The method may include creating a variant control profile for the CCPP for a power plant model of the CCPP. The method may include modifying the variant control profile in response to the variant control profile not reducing the fuel consumption or meeting the quality threshold. The method may also include adjusting the CCPP to use the variant control profile in response to the variant control profile reducing the fuel consumption and meeting the quality threshold. Using the variant control profile adjusts a turbine section inlet temperature schedule or an exhaust temperature schedule for the CCPP.