Multiobjective Optimal Power Plant Operation using Particle Swarm Optimization Technique

Authors:	Lee Kwang Y, The Pennsylvania State University, United States Heo Jin S., The Pennsylvania State University, United States Garduno-Ramirez Raul, Electric Research Institute, Mexico
Topic:	6.1 Chemical Process Control
Session:	Real Time Optimization and Control of Process and Energy Systems
Keywords:	Multiobjective optimization, power plant control, set-points, particle swarm optimization.

Abstract

Multiobjective optimal power plant operation requires an optimal mapping between unit load demand and pressure set-point in a Fossil Fuel Power Unit (FFPU). In general, the optimization problem with varying unit load demand cannot be solved using a fixed nonlinear mapping. This paper presents a modern heuristic method, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), to realize the optimal mapping by searching the best solution to the multiobjective optimization problem, where the objective functions are given preferences. This optimization procedure is used to design the reference governor for the control system. The approach provides the means to specify optimal set-points for controllers under a diversity of operating scenarios. Moreover, the PSO makes it possible for the optimization process to be implemented on-line in the operation of the FFPU.