Objective
The ACORDE system produced consists of an expert system that was built in the project in a open configuration, allowing the final users to programme rules to be tested continuously with plant data. A conditional monitoring system is used to visualise the raw data and can also be used by the user for a first assessment. Sample rules for NOx emissions and efficiency were prepared and they issue qualitative recommendations to the operator. In some of them the user is informed that a quantification can be made using numerical models that can be used by the operator with current plant data. Simulations can be done to analyse the effect of air distribution in the NOx emissions and to analyse the effect of cleaning heat transfer surfaces in the boiler efficiency. The user may also perform dynamic boiler simulations.
Objectives and content
The aim of this project is lo develop an advanced control methodology using reliable multi-detection sensors. The developed methodology will be applied lo a boiler from the electricity production sector leading to a reduction of energy consumption, reduction of pollutant emissions, minimizalion of slagging and degradation of the tubes, increase of life cycle of envolved equipment and the flexibility of the system. In order to demonstrate the generality of the developed methodology, a feasibility study will be performed in order to assess the application of the methodology to the petrochemical industry and to waste incineration.
An ON-LINE computer system which obtains information from a case-study boiler and searches for optimized operating conditions will be developed. The computer system will also be used as a training tool for plant operators and managers on the basis of analysis of alternatives and the generation of appropriate recommendations.
As a result, application of this system in fossil-fuelled electricity generating stations will allow a compromise to be achieved between maximization of output and the minimization of the emissions arising from combustion, by analyzing those possible anomalies which increase emissions. The system to be developed will increase the competitiveness of the enterprises of the related industrial sectors and therefore the employment. The system will be supported by a module generating realistically scenarios like the ones that the operator encounters during daily operation of the plant, along with the possible design modifications or improvements that might be made in the plant under consideration.
The central core of the system will be supported by a number of numerical models to perform calculations of combustion, heat transfer and emissions. The models considered vary in complexity, from computational fluid dynamics to simple heat balance models. The models will be interconnect in a cascade and exchanging information the shell to accommodate the models and the flow of information between the models will be developed. From these calculations and using data acquired by the system, information will be provided of efficiency, emissions, output levels and other operating parameters. These in turn together with the application of a neural network and the available degree of freedom for the operating conditions will provide appropriate recommendations via an expert system.
This system will also favour other industrial sectors related to electricity production, such as incinerators, cogeneration plants, petrochemical industry.
The companies associated with the project are: EDP and ENDESA as end users; the engineering companies KEMA, TECNATOM and OMAS, and AEA and IST, which are research and university centres, respectively.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectrical engineeringpower engineeringelectric power generationcombined heat and power
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesartificial intelligenceexpert systems
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensors
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesclassical mechanicsfluid mechanicsfluid dynamicscomputational fluid dynamics
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringwaste managementwaste treatment processes
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
1749-061 LISBOA
Portugal