Abstract: A system and computer-implemented method for dispatching thermal energy and generating power in a solar power generating plant. The system includes a computer processor, computer readable medium, and control logic stored on the computer readable medium to direct the operation of the processor. The processor generates an optimized thermal energy dispatch schedule which controls operation of the generating plant by performing a combination of direct thermal energy and indirect thermal energy storage simulations to maximize operating revenues.

Abstract: A system and computer-implemented method for tracking and displaying computer files used in computer simulations of engineered or industrial process plants. The system includes a computer processor, computer readable medium, and control logic stored on the computer readable medium and executed by the processor. The processor is operative to run the computer simulation of the plant and automatically compiles a list of all files used and/or created during the simulation. In one embodiment, the list includes information about the location/path of each file on the system and its associated software program required to open and view the file contents. The list may further be displayed to a system user and allows the selection of one or more files to be viewed. The processor retrieves, opens, and displays the selected files from the system to the user.

Abstract: A system and computer-implemented method for dispatching thermal energy and generating power in a solar power generating plant. The system includes a computer processor, computer readable medium, and control logic stored on the computer readable medium to direct the operation of the processor. The processor generates an optimized thermal energy dispatch schedule which controls operation of the generating plant by performing a combination of direct thermal energy and indirect thermal energy storage simulations to maximize operating revenues.

Abstract: Processing provides a high level of automated decision support using COTS computing software and hardware. By combining information gathered from multiple structured and unstructured data sources and converting to a common protocol shared with the conditional decision logic, the operator is freed from the task of continually monitoring the situation for compliance with pre-established rules. By organizing the conditional and simulation logic of the system in a hierarchical manner, rules are applied to data-based entities, their interactions, and the overall operational situation, and then to established procedures. The hierarchical organization of the conditional logic permits a high level of control over aggregated complex rule-based processing, and provides dynamic behavior, allowing modifications of the entire system processing to be based on the simplest human interaction or a single change in the state of one data item gathered by the system.