A Framework for the Synthesis of Optimum Operating Profiles Based on Dynamic Simulation and a Micro Genetic Algorithm

Erik Rosado-Tamariz, Miguel A. Zuniga-Garcia, Alfonso Campos-Amezcua and Rafael Batres
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Erik Rosado-Tamariz: School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Av. Eugenio Garza Sada Sur No. 2501, Col. Tecnologico, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
Miguel A. Zuniga-Garcia: School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Av. Eugenio Garza Sada Sur No. 2501, Col. Tecnologico, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
Alfonso Campos-Amezcua: Instituto Nacional de Electricidad y Energías Limpias (INEEL), Av. Reforma 113, Col. Palmira, Cuernavaca CP 62490, Mexico

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 3, 1-23

Abstract: This paper presents an approach to managing the thermal power plant’s flexible operation based on the steam generation process optimization. A strategy at the process level, as a first step in the operational optimization of the entire power plant, is proposed. The proposed approach focuses on minimizing the drum boiler startup time, since it is considered the most critical element in the steam generation process and in the thermal power plant’s efficient operation. An approach that addresses the problem to find the optimal sequences of control valves that minimize the drum boiler startup time as a dynamic optimization problem is proposed. To solve the optimization problem, a dynamic optimization framework based on a micro genetic algorithm (mGA) coupled with a dynamic simulation model is implemented. The dynamic simulation model is validated against data available in the literature, and the proposed optimization algorithm is characterized by the use of variable length chromosomes and the use of small population sizes. The results show that optimized operating profiles minimize the drum boiler startup time by at least 35 percent and generate control valve operating sequences that must be carried out to achieve the desired profile, while the structural integrity constraints are fulfilled at all times.

Keywords: thermal power plant; steam generation process; dynamic simulation; OpenModelica; optimum operating profiles; micro genetic algorithm (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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