Patent ID: 7657480
Filing Date: 2010-02-02
Classification: G06Q,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for identifying an excess energy capacity in a production supply chain operated by a supply chain operator, comprising: identifying, by a supply chain optimizer, a potential production configuration for the production supply chain, wherein: (i) the supply chain operator also operates at least one power generation facility to sustain industrial production by the production supply chain, (ii) the supply chain operator is capable of both consuming and selling electricity produced by the power generation facility while operating the production supply chain, (iii) the potential production configuration is related to a target electricity production by the power generation facility, and (iv) the potential production configuration reduces a production output and energy consumption for at least some portion of the production supply chain or increases electricity production by the power generation facility during a given time period; determining, using a potential action valuation model, whether to reduce the production output of the production supply chain or increase electricity production by the power generation facility according to the potential production configuration to create the excess energy capacity during the time period; and if production output is determined to be reduced or electricity production by the power generation facility is determined to be increased, selling the excess energy capacity created by implementing the potential production configuration during the time period for the production supply chain and the power generation facility.