G2 Software

National Power PLC has implemented Gensym Corp.'s intelligent G2 software in a new operator advisory system that assists in planning and carrying out start-ups at National Power's coal-fired power stations. The system, which they refer to as Start-up Management System (SMS), is designed to help achieve on-demand electricity supply at a minimum overall cost. National Grid, the largest privately owned, independent transmission company in the world, is responsible for matching the generation of electricity with demand and for delivering electricity to the regional electric companies in the UK.

To meet this synchronization requirement and ensure safe operations, SMS produces a schedule based upon the plant conditions predicted for the beginning of the start-up, which may be a few hours later. During the actual start-up, SMS monitors the plant state and advises when operations should be carried out. It also continually reschedules using current plant data to meet the required synchronization schedule. The G2-based SMS has been in regular use at one power station for six months and is in the process of being installed at three other power stations in the UK.

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