Patent ID: 7599750

Claim:
A computer system programmed to optimize operation of at least one power generating unit comprised of a plurality of components, the computer system comprising: a plurality of component optimization systems respectively associated with each of said plurality of components, wherein each component optimization system respectively optimizes operation of a component, each component optimization system including: a model of the component, said model receiving input values associated with manipulated variables and disturbance variables, and predicting an output value for at least one controlled variable associated with operation of said component, wherein the manipulated variables are variables changeable by an operator or component optimization system to affect the at least one controlled variable, and an optimizer for determining optimal setpoint values for manipulated variables associated with control of the component, wherein said optimal setpoint values are determined in accordance with one or more goals and constraints associated with operation of the component, said optimizer determining optimal setpoint values by minimizing a cost function that mathematically represents the one or more goals, wherein said plurality of component optimization systems perform optimizations of respective components in sequential order, at least one output of an earlier performing component optimization system is passed forward as an input to a subsequent performing component optimization system, said plurality of component optimization systems in communication with a distributed control system (DCS) to provide optimal setpoint values thereto, wherein the DCS provides regulatory control of said at least one power generating unit.