Advanced Cogeneration Control, Optimization, and Management: A Case Study

Abstract

The performance of cogeneration power plants can now be assessed on line in real time using a distributed microprocessor-based data acquisition and control system. A representative implementation is described for cogeneration power in a food processing plant. The COPA (COgeneration Performance Assessment) package comprises separate, distributed control modules for data input, performance analysis for each plant device, overall plant performance summary, and operator displays. Performance of each of the respective cogeneration devices is assessed relative to a performance model of the device, thus an accurate assessment of performance is provided under all load conditions. Operator displays provide real time depiction of the performance of each device and the overall plant performance. Deterioration of performance of a device is quantified in terms of the cost of additional fuel requirements and/or the value of power not produced.