A hierarchical architecture for the optimal management of an ensemble of steam generators is presented. The subsystems are coordinated by a multilayer scheme for jointly sustaining a common load. The high level optimizes the load allocation and the generator schedule, considering activation dynamics by a hybrid model. At the medium level, a robust tube-based model predictive control (MPC) tracks a time-varying demand using a centralized--but aggregate--model, whose order does not scale with the number of subsystems. A nonlinear optimization, at medium level, addresses MPC infeasibility due to abrupt changes of ensemble configuration. Low-level decentralized controllers stabilize the generators. This control scheme enables the dynamical modification of the ensemble configuration and plug and play operations. Simulations demonstrate the approach potentialities.
@article{arxiv.2306.16119,
title = {A Hierarchical Architecture for Optimal Unit Commitment and Control of an Ensemble of Steam Generators},
author = {Stefano Spinelli and Marcello Farina and Andrea Ballarino},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2306.16119},
year = {2023}
}