Abstract: Methods and apparatus for optimizing operation of a combined cycle power plant which combines the use of both gas and steam turbines in a single power generating plant. In one embodiment there is provided a closed-loop hybrid neural network-first principles optimizer for optimally allocating fuel across power generation plant blocks and sub systems to minimize fuel costs while meeting capacity and ramp-rate commitments. Embodiments of the methods and apparatus include a steady state plant optimization model and a dynamic plant optimization model.

Abstract: A method for determining an output value having a known relationship to an input value with a predicted value includes the step of first training a predictive model with at least one output for a given set of inputs that exist in a finite dataset. Data is then input to the predictive model that is within the set of given inputs. Thereafter, a prediction is made of an output from the predictive model that corresponds to the given input such that a predicted output value will be obtained which will have associated therewith the errors of the predictive model.

Abstract: A method for building a model of a system includes first extracting data from a historical database (310). Once the data is extracted, a dataset is then created, which dataset involves the steps of preprocessing the data. This dataset is then utilized to build a model. The model is defined as a plurality of transforms which can be utilized to run an on-line model. This on-line model is interfaced with the historical database such that the variable names associated therewith can be downloaded to the historical database. This historical database can then be interfaced with a control system to either directly operate the plant or to provide an operator an interface to various predicted data about the plant. The building operation will create the transform list and then a configuration step is performed in order to configure the model to interface with the historical database. When the dataset was extracted, it is unknown whether the variables names are still valid.