Development of a knowledge-based system to improve power plant thermal efficiency

A prototype knowledge-based system to monitor the real-time thermal efficiency of a 250 MW steam plant is described. The performance of the steam plant is determined by evaluating the boiler and turbine efficiency based on ASME/ANSI performance test code. Various abnormal or inefficient operating conditions can be detected, analysed and diagnosed. The knowledge acquired has been encoded in the form of engineering models and objects, rules and mathematical formulae. The prototype system can be interfaced to the power plant's data acquisition system and will provide useful operation guide and diagnostic aid to the plant operator to improve thermal efficiency.<
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