Optimum Load Allocation in Cogeneration Gas-Steam Combined Plants

Abstract

A procedure to optimize operations has been developed for cogeneration systems based on gas, steam and gas-steam combined cycles. Component statuses recognition by monitoring data and cost accounting technique have been taken into consideration. An objective function including components and machinery operational and availability costs has been selected. To search the minimum of such a function a simultaneous solution method with modular plant description has been adopted. The objective function is related to economic-functional models of the various components and to the boundary conditions expressing the ambient, power and heat loads. Test prototypes have shown the capability to achieve the optimum load allocation. The paper discusses the general block diagram of the system together with an application to an industrial cogeneration plant. Optimized operations are analyzed and discussed.