A Hierarchical Architecture for the Coordination of an Ensemble of Steam Generators

TL;DR

This paper introduces a hierarchical control architecture for efficiently managing multiple steam generators to meet variable demand, combining high-level optimization, robust MPC, and decentralized stabilization.

Contribution

It proposes a scalable multi-layer control scheme that coordinates independent steam generators for optimal ensemble management and dynamic reconfiguration.

Findings

Effective coordination of generators demonstrated in simulations

Robust MPC maintains demand tracking despite uncertainties

Architecture supports plug-and-play operations

Abstract

This work presents a hierarchical architecture for the optimal management of an ensemble of steam generators, which needs to jointly sustain a common load. The coordination of independent subsystems is provided by a multi-layer control scheme. A high-level optimizer computes the optimal shares of production to be allocated to single generators. At medium level, a robust tube-based model predictive control (MPC) is proposed to track the time-varying demand of the ensemble using a centralized, but aggregated model, whose order does not scale with the number of subsystems. At low level, decentralized controllers are in place to stabilize the internal boiler pressure. The control architecture enables the dynamic modification of the ensemble configuration and plug and play operations. Simulation results are reported to demonstrate the potentialities of the proposed approach.