Numerous approaches to modeling and system configurations are discussed in the presentation, Long-Term Hybrid AI Expert Combustion Optimization System for Coal-Fired Electricity Generation NOx Reduction. Many of the approaches represent offline or only short-duration online performance studies and not integrated into a layer for real-time interaction with the control system. The hybrid AI-expert system aims to satisfy the need for a long-term evaluation and characterization of the performance and effects of a hybrid AI-expert combustion optimization system (COS) on NOx emission rates, as well as the secondary effects on the remainder of the system. The COS uses artificial neural networks to model the combustion process, particle swarm optimization (PSO) to optimize the 80+ manipulated variables, and expert logic to address adverse conditions in real-time using this adivarent control layer to leverage the existing digital control system assets for improved performance. 

Over a two-year operational period, the hybrid AI-expert system was able to aid in the reduction of the NOx emission rate by more than 22.5% compared to baseline, while improving unit temperature management and realizing high operator acceptance leading to a system service factor greater than 86%. 

Read more and watch a full presentation on the hybrid AI-expert system. 

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The highly complex and sensitive nature of combustion processes makes it one of the most challenging systems to control in a coal-fired power plant. Behaving almost as its own living entity with each process having its own individual characteristics and behavior, managing, and controlling such systems is a difficult task.

Griffin’s Combustion Optimization System (COS) uses many advanced AI methods available within the Griffin AI Toolkit to develop highly specialized and accurate models of each unique system to reduce emissions, improve heat rate, and achieve other process objectives.

Custom Combustion Optimization

There is no “one-size-fits-all” method to gaining real and repeatable improvements from combustion optimization systems. Griffin’s COS application approach has been developed and refined over more than 50 years of experience providing combustion optimization solutions. Building upon the proven Griffin COS template of reliable and robust control, each COS application is tailor-made to address the unique characteristics of the subject system.

Advanced AI modeling and optimization methods are used to represent process complexities and take advantage of each and every existing opportunity; from subtle damper adjustments to shifting whole operating conditions within acceptable ranges, all prospective improvements are leveraged to provide maximum performance benefits.

Agile No-Code Implementation

Existing site-knowledge from those who know your system best – your engineers and your operators, often spanning decades of operation – is then formalized and rapidly implemented within the Griffin no-code platform to further complement the advanced AI components in place within the COS.

This process results in a highly customized and fully relevant optimization system capable of providing control benefits to the system in as little as 1 – 2 weeks. As the AI components continue to learn and adjust from observing real-time operation, observed benefits continue to improve automatically over time.

What to Expect From The Griffin Combustion Optimization System

The Griffin COS applications are flexible and purpose-built so that they can be configured to realize any number of performance objectives. Common benefits include:

• Reduction of NOx emissions
• Heat rate improvements
• Mitigation of unplanned outages
• Enhanced alarm condition management & resolution
• Consistent unit controls across all operating crews and conditions

A Griffin COS is a valuable addition to any combustion process with a proven record of improving multiple aspects of process performance. Regardless of system complexity or existing limitations, benefits can be obtained through this powerful application. Please contact us today to learn more about your options!

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