Abstract: In a method for failure, detection, operational data from a plurality of components in a system are received. A bank of submodels is created based on the operational data. The bank of submodels corresponds to a normal mode and one or more faulty modes of the system and is valid in different operating regimes of the system. Each of the banks of submodels has a respective weight (validity) and a respective suboutput. An output of the system is a weighted sum of the suboutputs of the submodels. The operational data is therefore processed to generate a validity profile through a constrained Kalman Filter (KCF) based multimodel fault detection and diagnosis (FDD). Subsequently, the validity profile is output. The validity profile is indicative of an operation state of the system at a given time, and the operation state includes a normal state and a fault state.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a method for controlling a power generation system, the method including: calculating, during operation of the power generation system, a target water level within a pressure vessel of the power generation system, the pressure vessel receiving a feedwater input and generating a steam output; calculating a flow rate change of the steam output from the pressure vessel; calibrating the target water level within the pressure vessel based on the output from mass flux through the pressure vessel, the mass flux through the pressure vessel being derived from the at least the feedwater input and the steam output; and adjusting an operating parameter of the power generation system based on the calibrated target water level within the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A method to co-optimize the energy production and frequency regulation of power generation systems. A three-level co-optimization model is used to determine the day-ahead unit commitment schedule considering the impacts of real-time generation dispatch and frequency regulation. Generation upward and downward regulation speed constraints are added to represent the system requirements for generation quick responses, and the actual regulation performance is also taken into account through the simulation of primary generation control.

Abstract: Buildings or facilities containing energy consuming or energy generating devices may be optimized for efficient energy usage and distribution. Energy consumption or generation by a building or components may be controlled by a system comprising a building model for predicting behavior of the building given predicted future conditions and possible control inputs. An optimization component running an optimization algorithm in conjunction with the building model may evaluate the predicted building behavior in accordance with at least one criterion and determine a desired set of control inputs. Commercial building thermal mass may be harnessed to continuously and optimally integrate large commercial building HVAC operations with electric grid operations and markets in large metropolitan areas. The service may be deployed using scalable, automated, web-based technology.

Abstract: A novel multifunctional electromechanical device to monitor and control environmental conditions within an occupied space. This device can be configured as a standard VAV Diffuser, an intelligently controlled window, or an intelligently controlled shutter. Functions include thermal control, and air quality control. The device would be built and located to optimize functionality and satisfy the aesthetic needs of occupants, designers, and architects. Energy harvesting combined with ultra-low power operation would reduce the long term operational costs. Mechanical and electronic modularity would facilitate the incorporation of new functions and to upgrade existing functions to improve performance and reduce cost. Additionally, a gas flow damper device that would sense pressure differential integrally or remotely and intelligently control pressure differential.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a power network that includes a plurality of power generation facilities connected to an electricity grid and a plurality of power storage facilities connected to the power generation facilities. The method includes monitoring a production capacity of the power generation facilities, monitoring a storage capacity of the power storage facilities and determining an optimal facility control plan on the basis of the storage capacity and the production capacity. The method further includes operating the power network, according to the facility control plan, to feed power from the power generation facilities into the electricity grid and/or to transfer power from the power generation facilities to the power storage facilities and/or to consume power from the power storage facilities.

Abstract: A system includes a gas turbine system model configured to model a turbine system operational behavior of a gas turbine system, and a shaft contribution model (SCM) including a bottoming cycle performance (BCP) model configured to model a bottoming cycle behavior of a bottoming cycle system. The gas turbine system model is configured to receive a SCM output from the SCM and to use the SCM output to control an actuator. The actuator is operatively coupled to the gas turbine system.

Abstract: An energy management system has a control center at a utility company and logic resources that provide a real time assessment of a potentially compromising situation that can effect the utility company. At least one situational dashboard panel is provided. The logic resources enable users to dynamically create their own dashboards from large overviews, regional schematic displays and station one-line displays that assist in assessing the potentially compromising situation of the utility company.

Abstract: Provided are a network system and a method of controlling the same. The network system includes an energy supply part including a plurality of power supply sources, an energy metering part communicating with the plurality of power supply sources, the energy metering measuring energy supplied from the plurality of power supply sources, an energy management part receiving energy-related information supplied from the energy supply part, and an energy consumption part consuming power supplied from the energy supply part, the energy consumption part being operable and controllable by the energy management part. At least one power supply source of the plurality of power supply sources is selected according to an order of priority of a power supply, based on energy information related to the plurality of power supply sources. Thus, the power supply source having minimum costs is selected to efficiently manage energy within an intellectual power supply network.

Abstract: A method is provided that enables dispatchers in power grid control centers to manage changes by applying multi-interval dispatch. A multi-stage resource scheduling engine and a comprehensive operating plan are used. Multiple system parameter scenarios are coordinated.

Abstract: A method of regulating an installation associating one or several cogeneration machines and one or several thermodynamic systems (e.g., air conditioner (whether or not reversible), water cooler or heat pump (whether or not reversible)) intended for air conditioning and/or heating.

Abstract: A Kalina Cycle control system monitors one or more operating parameters of the Kalina Cycle. The system calculates one or more optimal operating parameters that allow the Kalina Cycle to operate at an increased efficiency. The system automatically adjusts the one or more actual operating parameters to the optimal parameters to increase the efficiency of the Kalina Cycle. Methods of increasing the efficiency of a Kalina Cycle include automatically adjusting one or more operating parameters to an optimal configuration.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus embodiments for electric power grid and network registration and management of active grid elements. Grid elements are transformed into active grid elements following initial registration of each grid element with the system, preferably through network-based communication between the grid elements and a coordinator, either in coordination with or outside of an IP-based communications network router. A multiplicity of active grid elements function in the grid for supply capacity, supply and/or load curtailment as supply or capacity. Also preferably, messaging is managed through a network by a Coordinator using IP messaging for communication with the grid elements, with the energy management system (EMS), and with the utilities, market participants, and/or grid operators.

Abstract: An equipment control device has: a reception unit for receiving desired time information indicating a desired operation start time or a desired operation termination time, operation period information and electrical power information; a time-shift period setting unit for setting a time-shift period indicating a period which has a time range including the desired time information and during which the operation start time or the operation termination time of a household appliance is shiftable; an electrical power charge information acquisition unit for acquiring electrical power charge information; an operation time computing unit for computing the operation start time or the operation termination time, on the basis of which the electricity charge that is billed when the household appliance is operated within the time-shift period falls to or below a predetermined charge; and a transmission unit for transmitting the operation start time or the operation termination time to the household appliance.

Abstract: A method includes generating an exhaust gas from combustion gases with a turbine; recirculating the exhaust gas along an exhaust recirculation flow path; reducing moisture within the exhaust gas along the exhaust recirculation path with an exhaust gas processing system; providing the exhaust gas to a first exhaust gas inlet of an exhaust gas compressor for compression; and providing the exhaust gas from the exhaust recirculation path to a second exhaust gas inlet separate from the first exhaust gas inlet for cooling, preheating, sealing, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a maximum power point tracking circuit for a solar panel. In one embodiment, the circuit can include: a real-time power calculator that receives a real-time output voltage and a real-time output current of the solar panel, and generates a real-time power of the solar panel; a memory power generator coupled to the real-time power calculator, and that generates a memory power based on the real-time power; a comparing circuit that compares the real-time power against the memory power, where an output of the comparing circuit is configured to control a controlling signal for a solar power supply apparatus; and a reset circuit that receives the real-time output voltage of the solar panel, where an output of the reset circuit is configured to control the controlling signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling exhaust steam temperatures from a finishing superheater are provided. In certain embodiments, the system includes a controller which includes control logic for predicting an exhaust temperature of steam from the finishing superheater using model-based predictive techniques (e.g., based on empirical data or thermodynamic calculations). Based on the predicted exhaust temperature of steam, the control logic may use feed-forward control techniques to control the operation of an inter-stage attemperation system upstream of the finishing superheater. The control logic may determine if attemperation is required based on whether the predicted exhaust temperature of steam from the finishing superheater exceeds a set point temperature as well as whether the inlet temperature of steam into the finishing superheater drops below a set point temperature of steam.

Abstract: Methods, circuits, apparatus, and systems related to a hybrid driving and controlling circuit are disclosed. In one embodiment, a hybrid driving and controlling circuit in a double power supply system includes first and second power supplies and at least one load, and the circuit can include: (i) a controller coupled to a hybrid switcher that enables energy transfer from the first and second power supplies; (ii) when a determined energy of the first power supply is sufficient, the controller can control the hybrid switcher to transfer energy from the first power supply to the second power supply; and (iii) when the determined energy of the first power supply is insufficient, the controller can control the hybrid switcher to transfer energy from the second power supply to the at least one load.

Abstract: A method to control an power generation plant including: applying control settings to operate the plant; collecting plant data indicative of the performance of the plant; applying the control settings to a model of the plant; collecting prediction data from the model; comparing the plant data to the predicted data and adjusting the control settings applied to the plant and model; perturbing the control settings and applying the perturbed control settings to operate the plant and the model; collecting perturbed plant data and perturbed prediction data, and modifying the model if the perturbed plant data represents an improvement as compared to the perturbed prediction data.

Abstract: A cogeneration system comprising a power generation unit, a thermal generation unit thermally coupled to the power generation unit, a plurality of renewable energy conversion units, and a power distribution unit configured to receive and distribute power from the power generation unit, thermal generation unit and the renewable energy conversion unit where the power distribution unit reduces the amount of power produced by the power generator based on the amount of power provided by the renewable energy conversion units.

Abstract: A controller for a building management system includes a system of rules for detecting faults in the building management system. The rules include content conditions and trigger conditions. The content conditions are not checked until one or more of the trigger conditions are met. A rule-based fault detection engine may be implemented by a low level building equipment controller. One or more thresholds for a rule may be automatically or manually adjusted.

Abstract: An apparatus including a plurality of electric vehicle movement components, where a first one of the components is configurable to operate in one of a plurality of power operational modes; and a connection connecting the plurality of electric vehicle components to each other. The first component is configured to select one of the operational modes based, at least partially, upon information through the connection regarding an identification of a second different one of the components and/or an operational capability of the second component.

Abstract: A Kalina Cycle control system monitors one or more operating parameters of the Kalina Cycle. The system calculates one or more optimal operating parameters that allow the Kalina Cycle to operate at an increased efficiency. The system automatically adjusts the one or more actual operating parameters to the optimal parameters to increase the efficiency of the Kalina Cycle. Methods of increasing the efficiency of a Kalina Cycle include automatically adjusting one or more operating parameters to an optimal configuration.

Abstract: A power generation system for feeding power from generators into an AC grid, the system comprising a plurality of inverters connected to corresponding ones of the generators, and connected to the AC grid is disclosed. The plurality of inverters forms part of a data network, wherein one of the inverters forms a communication unit for receiving feed-in parameters from a grid control system and for controlling the plurality of inverters via the data network such that the power generation system feeds power to the AC grid in accordance with the feed-in parameters.

Abstract: Disclosed illustrative embodiments include systems for part load control of electrical power generating systems and methods of operating a system for part load control of electrical power generating systems.

Abstract: A method for regulating electrical and thermal power generated by an energy system in a multi-source energy plant that comprises one or more loads. The energy system comprises an electronic unit implementing a multi-objective function (Fmo) that comprises: first computation parameters (PTi, Oi) comprising values of the electrical and thermal powers exchanged within the multi-source plant between a cogeneration module, loads, auxiliary sources and an electric network; and a set of second (Ci, Ai) and third computation parameters (Ni) correlated to the costs of management and exchange of the electrical and thermal powers within the energy plant. The method comprises the step of determining optimal values (PUi) of the electrical and thermal powers that the energy system must supply to minimize the multi-objective function (Fmo), and the step of varying the electrical and thermal powers generated by the cogeneration module as a function of the optimal values calculated (PUi).

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for a network of cogenerations systems. In some cases, each system includes at least one cogeneration plant and at least one host facility, where the systems in the network are under the control of a common control system that optimizes a result for the network as a whole. In some cases, each cogeneration system in the network has an individual profile that is used by the control system for controlling that individual cogeneration system.

Abstract: The invention includes systems and methods for power cogeneration. In certain embodiments the cogeneration systems include one or more units that are modularized; in some of these embodiments, the modules contain components that are integrated and ready for use with a control system that optimizes a result for the cogeneration plant. In some cases, the cogeneration system is part of a network of cogeneration systems.

Abstract: Methods, circuits, apparatus, and systems related to a hybrid driving and controlling circuit are disclosed. In one embodiment, a hybrid driving and controlling circuit in a double power supply system includes first and second power supplies and at least one load, and the circuit can include: (i) a controller coupled to a hybrid switcher that enables energy transfer from the first and second power supplies; (ii) when a determined energy of the first power supply is sufficient, the controller can control the hybrid switcher to transfer energy from the first power supply to the second power supply; and (iii) when the determined energy of the first power supply is insufficient, the controller can control the hybrid switcher to transfer energy from the second power supply to the at least one load.

Abstract: A single controller interface (Smart-Stat) integrates the control of heating or cooling in buildings by simultaneously controlling Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems in concert with separate fresh air ventilation (FAV) systems. The Smart-Stat reduces costs and the carbon footprint of typical HVAC systems by optimizing the use of FAV. User-programmable set-points are incorporated with time-of-day and day-of-week as well as data from multiple sensors, thermostats and weather information. Mathematical algorithms are used to determine control signals to the HVAC or FAV systems. The Smart-Stat integrates the two separate systems into a single system that is able to direct the call for cooling or heating to the HVAC or FAV systems, depending on appropriate outside weather conditions. Any building can replace its existing HVAC system controller with the Smart-Stat controller and incorporate a FAV system to create a single integrated HVAC and FAV system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for specifying one or more operational parameters for a pumping system are disclosed. A first suction pressure loss profile for a first pump in a pumping system is determined. A second suction pressure loss profile for a second pump in the pumping system is determined. The first suction pressure loss profile is compared with the second suction pressure loss profile. One or more operational parameters are specified based, at least in part, on the comparison.

Abstract: System and method to estimate variables in an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) plant are provided. The system includes a sensor suite to measure respective plant input and output variables. An extended Kalman filter (EKF) receives sensed plant input variables and includes a dynamic model to generate a plurality of plant state estimates and a covariance matrix for the state estimates. A preemptive-constraining processor is configured to preemptively constrain the state estimates and covariance matrix to be free of constraint violations. A measurement-correction processor may be configured to correct constrained state estimates and a constrained covariance matrix based on processing of sensed plant output variables. The measurement-correction processor is coupled to update the dynamic model with corrected state estimates and a corrected covariance matrix. The updated dynamic model may be configured to estimate values for at least one plant variable not originally sensed by the sensor suite.

Abstract: Systems, computer readable media, and program code for systematically providing enhanced energy efficiency of mega industrial sites and synergy with the adjacent community through advanced hybrid inter-systems energy integration targeting and solutions generation to achieve desired best levels of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions reduction, are provided.

Abstract: A Kalina Cycle control system monitors one or more operating parameters of the Kalina Cycle. The system calculates one or more optimal operating parameters that allow the Kalina Cycle to operate at an increased efficiency. The system automatically adjusts the one or more actual operating parameters to the optimal parameters to increase the efficiency of the Kalina Cycle. Methods of increasing the efficiency of a Kalina Cycle include automatically adjusting one or more operating parameters to an optimal configuration.

Abstract: A steam-using facility simulation system for efficiently searching for an approach for improving a steam-using facility that is effective in overall improvement of a steam-using facility and a method for searching for an approach for improving a steam-using facility are provided. The system includes storage means configured to store steam usage state information of the steam-using facility; input means to which facility improving approach information of the steam-using facility is input; simulating means configured to compute predicted steam usage state information of the steam-using facility after implementation of the improving approach based on the steam usage state information of the steam-using facility stored in the storage means and the facility improving approach information input to the input means; and output means configured to output the predicted steam usage state information of the steam-using facility computed by the simulating means.

Abstract: An optimization and control system for a utility plant that uses fan based air cooled condensers controls the operation of the power generation system at the plant in conjunction with the operation of the air cooled condensers so as to run the power plant at an optimum operating point associated with minimizing or reducing the cost energy produced by the plant. The optimization and control system includes an optimizer having a numerical solver that determines values for a set of control variables associated with an optimal operating point of the plant and an expert system that oversees and modifies the control variable settings prior to providing these settings to a plant controller. The numerical solver uses an objective function and one or more models of plant equipment to determine the operating point of the plant that minimizes the cost per unit of useful energy generated by the plant.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system and a method for planning the operation of, monitoring processes in, simulating, and/or optimizing a technical installation comprising several units that can be combined with each other. Said system comprises at least one process planning module, at least one process simulation module, and at least one process optimization module. Components for modeling, simulating, and optimizing the technical installation are stored in said modules. The interrelated modules cooperate with a data management layer via at least one interface, said data management layer making available actual measured and/or historical process data for determining parameters and/or operational data for the modules in order to plan operations as well as simulate and optimize processes. The parameters and/or operational data determined in the modules can be fed to the data management layer for further processing by taking into account the stored components.

Abstract: Control system and method for controlling an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) plant are provided. The system may include a controller coupled to a dynamic model of the plant to process a prediction of plant performance and determine a control strategy for the IGCC plant over a time horizon subject to plant constraints. The control strategy may include control functionality to meet a tracking objective and control functionality to meet an optimization objective. The control strategy may be configured to prioritize the tracking objective over the optimization objective based on a coordinate transformation, such as an orthogonal or quasi-orthogonal projection. A plurality of plant control knobs may be set in accordance with the control strategy to generate a sequence of coordinated multivariable control inputs to meet the tracking objective and the optimization objective subject to the prioritization resulting from the coordinate transformation.

Abstract: A system, for simulating a heat and power supply facility, that is capable of easily constructing a heat and power supply facility, and that performs a simulation so as to approximate operating conditions including a load factor to an actual situation, by approximating, to a high accuracy, any item included in a total combined energy to a target value.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting wave energy may include a watercraft, a pendulum and an energy converter. The watercraft may be configured to roll in response to wave action and may have roll characteristics that are tunable to characteristics of the wave action. The pendulum may be supported by the watercraft to enable the pendulum to swing in response to the wave action. An energy converter may be configured to convert the relative movement of the pendulum and watercraft into electrical energy. The pendulum may also be tunable to characteristics of the wave action.

Abstract: A method of operating a wind turbine that includes a flow control system includes operating the wind turbine in a first mode, operating the wind turbine in a second mode that is different than the first mode, acquiring operational data of the wind turbine during at least the second mode, determining an effectiveness of the flow control system using the acquired operational data, and performing an action based on the effectiveness of the flow control system.

Abstract: Control system and method for controlling an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) plant are provided. The system may include a controller coupled to a dynamic model of the plant to process a prediction of plant performance and determine a control strategy for the IGCC plant over a time horizon subject to plant constraints. The control strategy may include control functionality to meet a tracking objective and control functionality to meet an optimization objective. The control strategy may be configured to prioritize the tracking objective over the optimization objective based on a coordinate transformation, such as an orthogonal or quasi-orthogonal projection. A plurality of plant control knobs may be set in accordance with the control strategy to generate a sequence of coordinated multivariable control inputs to meet the tracking objective and the optimization objective subject to the prioritization resulting from the coordinate transformation.

Abstract: System and method to estimate variables in an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) plant are provided. The system includes a sensor suite to measure respective plant input and output variables. An extended Kalman filter (EKF) receives sensed plant input variables and includes a dynamic model to generate a plurality of plant state estimates and a covariance matrix for the state estimates. A preemptive-constraining processor is configured to preemptively constrain the state estimates and covariance matrix to be free of constraint violations. A measurement-correction processor may be configured to correct constrained state estimates and a constrained covariance matrix based on processing of sensed plant output variables. The measurement-correction processor is coupled to update the dynamic model with corrected state estimates and a corrected covariance matrix. The updated dynamic model may be configured to estimate values for at least one plant variable not originally sensed by the sensor suite.

Abstract: A Method of controlling power generating equipment to coordinate with the demands of heating equipment and cooling equipment that are powered by exhaust gases from the power generating equipment. A feed-forward prediction is produced of the electrical power supply that produces substantially the required exhaust gas output to match the heating and cooling equipment requirements. A composite power production demand error variable is produced that combines all of the heating and cooling demand requirements that vary from the feed-forward prediction; The demand error variable is sent to a proportional integral derivative control element to generate a control variable. The control variable and the feed-forward prediction are combined to produce a setting for the power generating equipment to produce essentially only the gases required to operate the heating equipment and cooling equipment at the desired level.

Abstract: A system and method for online monitoring of molten salt corrosion of a component of an apparatus is disclosed. First and second electrodes are electrically isolated from each other within the component and exposed to a corrosive operating environment of the apparatus. The first and second electrodes are electrically coupled such that when an electrical potential difference exists between the first and second electrodes an electrical current flows between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrical potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode is based at least in part on molten salt corrosion at the first electrode or the second electrode. At least one of the electrical potential difference or the electrical current flowing between the first electrode and second electrode is measured and analyzed such that a corrosion characteristic of the component can be predicted.

Abstract: A thermal source provides heat to a heat engine and or one or more thermal demands, including space and water heating and heat storage. Additionally the output of the heat engine may be used for local in situ electricity needs, or directed out over the grid. A system controller monitors conditions of the components of the system, and operates that system in modes that maximize a particular benefit, such as a total accrued desired benefit obtained such as reduced electricity cost, reduced fossil fuel use, maximized return on investment and other factors. The controller may use past history of use of the system to optimize the next mode of operation, or both past and future events such as predicted solar insolation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling a hydrokinetic device that includes an energy transducer. The method comprises setting a target condition for the hydrokinetic device, monitoring an actual condition of the hydrokinetic device, comparing the target condition to the actual condition to determine an error signal, and invoking a power control protocol with depth change protocol based on the error signal to maintain the hydrokinetic device at the target condition.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle computes estimated energy and external charge energy. The estimated energy is required to drive a vehicle to travel a planned travel route and an EV priority mode, in which drive power for the vehicle is generated with priority by a motor/generator by supplying electric power from a battery to the motor/generator. The external charge energy is supplied from an electric power source. The control apparatus checks whether the estimated required energy will be supplied fully by the external charge energy. If the full supply is not possible, the control apparatus causes electric power generation by the motor/generator at some point in the planned travel route, where the efficiency of electric power generation is good, thereby to supplement insufficiency of energy.

Abstract: In a power supply system (10) having a cogeneration unit (12) equipped with an internal combustion engine (12a) and a generator (12b) to generate power to be supplied to a power destination and hot water to be supplied to a hot water destination, there are provided with a natural energy generation unit (14) that generates power with natural energy, a power supply unit (20) that receives the power generated by the generator and natural energy generation unit to supply the received power to the power destination; a voltage detector (22a) that detects voltage (V1) of the power flowing through an connecting bus (22), and an electric heater (121). The power supply unit (20) controls operation of the electric heater based on the detected connecting bus power voltage (V1), thereby effectively utilizing surplus electricity without transmitting back it to a commercial power source.

Abstract: A controller for controlling a combined heat and power (CHP) system which can include one or more CHP units, can comprise a high level optimizer and one or more low level optimizers. The high level optimizer can be configured to optimize a total cost of producing heating, cooling, and electric power, by allocating total heating, cooling, and/or electric power setpoints one or more CHP unit types, based on the fuel price, CHP unit operational constraints, and/or heating, cooling, and/or electric power demand. The low level optimizer can be configured to allocate cooling, heating, and/or electric power setpoints to individual CHP units, based on the high level allocation to CHP unit types.