Thermoeconomic optimization method as design tool in gas-steam combined plant realization

In modern power plants design, not only high performances but also low capi tal investments have to be assured so that the final product proposed on th e market could be competitive. Starting from this concept, in this work, we have realized a tool for a thermoeconomic evaluation and optimization of t hermal power plants which could give solutions to problems connected with t he design of real systems. The model, using three programs and a set of cost correlations (obtained fr om collaboration with Nuovo Pignone-General Electric), can estimate the rea lization costs of a combined power plant as a function of the constructive and operation parameters. A test to verify the capacity of our model has be en performed by simulating an existing plant. The results seem very good, a nd this tool will be soon used also in the industry. (C) 2001 Elsevier Scie nce Ltd. All rights reserved.