Patents by Inventor Stephen Piche

Stephen Piche has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9329582
    Abstract: A method for providing independent static and dynamic models in a prediction, control and optimization environment utilizes an independent static model (20) and an independent dynamic model (22). The static model (20) is a rigorous predictive model that is trained over a wide range of data, whereas the dynamic model (22) is trained over a narrow range of data. The gain K of the static model (20) is utilized to scale the gain k of the dynamic model (22). The forced dynamic portion of the model (22) referred to as the bi variables are scaled by the ratio of the gains K and k. Thereafter, the difference between the new value input to the static model (20) and the prior steady-state value is utilized as an input to the dynamic model (22). The predicted dynamic output is then summed with the previous steady-state value to provide a predicted value Y.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Boe, Stephen Piche, Gregory D. Martin
  • Patent number: 8644961
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating and/or controlling mercury emissions in a steam generating unit. A model of the steam generating unit is used to predict mercury emissions. In one embodiment of the invention, the model is a neural network (NN) model. An optimizer may be used in connection with the model to determine optimal setpoint values for manipulated variables associated with operation of the steam generating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: NeuCo Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Wroblewski, Stephen Piche
  • Patent number: 8527072
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the operation of a single or multiple power generating units using advanced optimization, modeling, and control techniques. In one embodiment, a plurality of component optimization systems for optimizing power generating unit components are sequentially coordinated to allow optimized values determined by a first component optimization system to be fed forward for use as an input value to a subsequent component optimization system. A unit optimization system may be provided to determine goals and constraints for the plurality of component optimization systems in accordance with economic data. In one embodiment of the invention, a multi-unit optimization system is provided to determine goals and constraints for component optimization systems of different power generating units. Both steady state and dynamic models are used for optimization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: NeuCo, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Piche
  • Patent number: 8515582
    Abstract: A control system for controlling operation of a fossil fuel fired power generating unit. The control system including both a combustion optimization system and an oxygen optimization system. Both the combustion optimization system and oxygen optimization system each including a model for predicting values of controlled variables and an optimizer for determining optimal setpoint values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: NeuCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Jianhu Jia, Stephen Piche, W. Hardey Beaver
  • Patent number: 8498746
    Abstract: A sootblowing control system that uses predictive models to bridge the gap between sootblower operation and boiler performance goals. The system uses predictive modeling and heuristics (rules) associated with different zones in a boiler to determine an optimal sequence of sootblower operations and achieve boiler performance targets. The system performs the sootblower optimization while observing any operational constraints placed on the sootblowers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: NeuCo, Inc.
    Inventors: John Robert James, John McDermott, Stephen Piche, Fred Pickard, Neel J. Parikh
  • Publication number: 20130055021
    Abstract: A method for providing independent static and dynamic models in a prediction, control and optimization environment utilizes an independent static model (20) and an independent dynamic model (22). The static model (20) is a rigorous predictive model that is trained over a wide range of data, whereas the dynamic model (22) is trained over a narrow range of data. The gain K of the static model (20) is utilized to scale the gain k of the dynamic model (22). The forced dynamic portion of the model (22) referred to as the bi variables are scaled by the ratio of the gains K and k. Thereafter, the difference between the new value input to the static model (20) and the prior steady-state value is utilized as an input to the dynamic model (22). The predicted dynamic output is then summed with the previous steady-state value to provide a predicted value Y.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Eugene Boe, Stephen Piche, Gregory D. Martin
  • Publication number: 20130018831
    Abstract: A sootblowing control system that uses predictive models to bridge the gap between sootblower operation and boiler performance goals. The system uses predictive modeling and heuristics (rules) associated with different zones in a boiler to determine an optimal sequence of sootblower operations and achieve boiler performance targets. The system performs the sootblower optimization while observing any operational constraints placed on the sootblowers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: John Robert James, John McDermott, Stephen Piche, Fred Pickard, Neel J. Parikh
  • Patent number: 8340824
    Abstract: A sootblowing control system that uses predictive models to bridge the gap between sootblower operation and boiler performance goals. The system uses predictive modeling and heuristics (rules) associated with different zones in a boiler to determine an optimal sequence of sootblower operations and achieve boiler performance targets. The system performs the sootblower optimization while observing any operational constraints placed on the sootblowers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: NeuCo, Inc.
    Inventors: John Robert James, John McDermott, Stephen Piche, Fred Pickard, Neel J. Parikh
  • Patent number: 8311673
    Abstract: A method for providing independent static and dynamic models in a prediction, control and optimization environment utilizes an independent static model (20) and an independent dynamic model (22). The static model (20) is a rigorous predictive model that is trained over a wide range of data, whereas the dynamic model (22) is trained over a narrow range of data. The gain K of the static model (20) is utilized to scale the gain k of the dynamic model (22). The forced dynamic portion of the model (22) referred to as the bi variables are scaled by the ratio of the gains K and k. Thereafter, the difference between the new value input to the static model (20) and the prior steady-state value is utilized as an input to the dynamic model (22). The predicted dynamic output is then summed with the previous steady-state value to provide a predicted value Y.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Boe, Stephen Piche, Gregory D. Martin
  • Patent number: 8295953
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the operation of a single or multiple power generating units using advanced optimization, modeling, and control techniques. In one embodiment, a plurality of component optimization systems for optimizing power generating unit components are sequentially coordinated to allow optimized values determined by a first component optimization system to be fed forward for use as an input value to a subsequent component optimization system. A unit optimization system may be provided to determine goals and constraints for the plurality of component optimization systems in accordance with economic data. In one embodiment of the invention, a multi-unit optimization system is provided to determine goals and constraints for component optimization systems of different power generating units. Both steady state and dynamic models are used for optimization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: NeuCo, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Piche
  • Patent number: 8197753
    Abstract: A virtual analyzer is provided to estimate either an attribute of a reactant applied during performance of, or an amount of a reactant exhausted by, a process having multiple process parameters (MPPs) that is performed to control an amount of a pollutant emitted into the air. The virtual analyzer includes an interface which receives signals corresponding to attributes of the MPPs. If the process is a wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) process, the signals include a signal corresponding to a measured pH level of the applied reactant. If the process is a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) process, the signals include a signal corresponding to a measured amount of the reactant exhausted by the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Scott A. Boyden, Stephen Piche
  • Publication number: 20120059525
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the operation of a single or multiple power generating units using advanced optimization, modeling, and control techniques. In one embodiment, a plurality of component optimization systems for optimizing power generating unit components are sequentially coordinated to allow optimized values determined by a first component optimization system to be fed forward for use as an input value to a subsequent component optimization system. A unit optimization system may be provided to determine goals and constraints for the plurality of component optimization systems in accordance with economic data. In one embodiment of the invention, a multi-unit optimization system is provided to determine goals and constraints for component optimization systems of different power generating units. Both steady state and dynamic models are used for optimization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen Piche
  • Patent number: 8068923
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the operation of a single or multiple power generating units using advanced optimization, modeling, and control techniques. In one embodiment, a plurality of component optimization systems for optimizing power generating unit components are sequentially coordinated to allow optimized values determined by a first component optimization system to be fed forward for use as an input value to a subsequent component optimization system. A unit optimization system may be provided to determine goals and constraints for the plurality of component optimization systems in accordance with economic data. In one embodiment of the invention, a multi-unit optimization system is provided to determine goals and constraints for component optimization systems of different power generating units. Both steady state and dynamic models are used for optimization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: NeuCo, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Piche
  • Publication number: 20110224830
    Abstract: A control system for controlling operation of a fossil fuel fired power generating unit. The control system includes a combustion optimization system and a second optimization system. In one embodiment, the second optimization system is an oxygen optimization system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Jianhu Jia, Stephen Piche, W. Hardey Beaver
  • Patent number: 7966080
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a parameter associated with operation of a fossil fuel fired power generating unit. An optimizer determines optimal setpoint values for manipulated variables used to operate the power generating unit by accessing a model that predicts a parameter sensed by a plurality of sensors. The optimizer uses the model to minimize a cost valve of a cost function while observing at least one constraint associated with operation of the power generating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Pegasus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jianhu Jia, Stephen Piche, W. Hardey Beaver
  • Publication number: 20110104015
    Abstract: A virtual analyzer is provided to estimate either an attribute of a reactant applied during performance of, or an amount of a reactant exhausted by, a process having multiple process parameters (MPPs) that is performed to control an amount of a pollutant emitted into the air. The virtual analyzer includes an interface which receives signals corresponding to attributes of the MPPs. If the process is a wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) process, the signals include a signal corresponding to a measured pH level of the applied reactant. If the process is a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) process, the signals include a signal corresponding to a measured amount of the reactant exhausted by the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventors: Scott A. BOYDEN, Stephen Piche
  • Publication number: 20110046752
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the operation of a single or multiple power generating units using advanced optimization, modeling, and control techniques. In one embodiment, a plurality of component optimization systems for optimizing power generating unit components are sequentially coordinated to allow optimized values determined by a first component optimization system to be fed forward for use as an input value to a subsequent component optimization system. A unit optimization system may be provided to determine goals and constraints for the plurality of component optimization systems in accordance with economic data. In one embodiment of the invention, a multi-unit optimization system is provided to determine goals and constraints for component optimization systems of different power generating units. Both steady state and dynamic models are used for optimization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen Piche
  • Patent number: 7862771
    Abstract: A virtual analyzer is provided to estimate either an attribute of a reactant applied during performance of, or an amount of a reactant exhausted by, a process having multiple process parameters (MPPs) that is performed to control an amount of a pollutant emitted into the air. The virtual analyzer includes an interface which receives signals corresponding to attributes of the MPPs. If the process is a wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) process, the signals include a signal corresponding to a measured pH level of the applied reactant. If the process is a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) process, the signals include a signal corresponding to a measured amount of the reactant exhausted by the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Scott A. Boyden, Stephen Piche
  • Patent number: 7860586
    Abstract: A parameter value estimator is provided for a process performed primarily to control emission of a particular non-particulate pollutant, such as NOx and SO2, into the air. The process has multiple process parameters (MPPs) including a parameter representing an amount of the particular non-particulate pollutant emitted. The parameter value estimator includes either a neural network process model or a non-neural network process model. In either case the model represents a relationship between one of the MPPs, other than the parameter representing the amount of the emitted particular non-particulate pollutant, and one or more other of the MPPs. Also included is a processor configured with the logic, e.g. programmed software, to estimate a value of the one MPP based on a value of each of the one or more other MPPs and the one model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Scott A. Boyden, Stephen Piche
  • Patent number: 7844351
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the operation of a single or multiple power generating units using advanced optimization, modeling, and control techniques. In one embodiment, a plurality of component optimization systems for optimizing power generating unit components are sequentially coordinated to allow optimized values determined by a first component optimization system to be fed forward for use as an input value to a subsequent component optimization system. A unit optimization system may be provided to determine goals and constraints for the plurality of component optimization systems in accordance with economic data. In one embodiment of the invention, a multi-unit optimization system is provided to determine goals and constraints for component optimization systems of different power generating units. Both steady state and dynamic models are used for optimization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Pegasus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Piche