In this paper the optimization of a combined cycle power plant is accomplished by exploiting hybrid systems, i.e. systems evolving according to continuous dynamics, discrete dynamics, and logic rules. The possibility of turning on/off the gas and steam turbine, the operating constraints (minimum up and down times) and the different types of start up of the turbines characterize the hybrid behavior of a combined cycle power plant. In order to model both the continuous/discrete dynamics and the switching between different operating conditions we use the framework of Mixed Logic Dynamical systems. Next, we recast the economic optimization problem as a Model Predictive Control (MPC) problem, that allows us to optimize the plant operations by taking into account the time variability of both prices and electricity/steam demands. Because of the presence of integer variables, the MPC scheme is formulated as a mixed integer linear program that can be solved in an efficient way by using commercial solvers.

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Springer
hdl.handle.net/1765/38347
Erasmus School of Economics

Ferrari-Trecate, G., Gallestey, E., Letizia, P., Spedicato, M., Morari, M., & Antoine, M. (2002). Modeling and Control of Cogeneration Power Plants: A Hybrid System Approach. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1765/38347