SmartProcess™ Economic Optimization helps plants to optimize power generation across several generating units in a networked region, based on a number of factors, including operating costs, unit efficiencies, maintenance schedules, and operational constraints. This model-based approach to economic optimization provides advanced control capabilities unattainable by traditional control systems.

A cost-based target function is used for the optimization, and this function considers efficiency, emissions, and maintenance (where applicable). This makes it possible to optimize for lowest cost, best heat rate, or lowest emissions. The optimization function uses state-of-the-art methods (e.g. genetic algorithms) and allows non-continuous operating regions for “forbidden operating zones” and other variable operating constraints.

The Economic Optimizer has two modes of operation: offline and online.