Methods and systems for the evaluation of power generating facilities

Claim 3

A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of storing in the database information further comprises the step of submitting information for multiple units.

Claim 4

A method according to claim 2 wherein said step of submitting information for multiple units further comprises the step of inputting at least one of a unit gross capacity, a number of hours that the unit has operated since the Commercial Operation (CO) date, a number of hours that the unit will be available for operation, and an anticipated load that the unit will be dispatched.

Claim 5

A method according to claim 2 wherein said step of submitting information for multiple units further comprises the step of inputting at least one of a Unit Gross Output, a House Load, Existing Operational Hours, a Percentage of Available Hours Dispatched, and a Dispatched Load.

Claim 6

A method according to claim 2 wherein said step of submitting information for multiple units further comprises the step of inputting at least one of a Fuels Information, a Cycle, Feed Water Temperature, and a Stack Temperature.

Claim 7

A method according to claim 2 wherein said step of submitting information for multiple units further comprises the step of inputting Facility Equipment Information by selecting at least one of a Flyash Control Equipment, a SO 2 Control Equipment, a Mercury Control Equipment, and a NOx Control Equipment to reflect the actual condition of the facility that is being evaluated.

Claim 8

A method according to claim 6 wherein said step of inputting Facility Equipment Information further comprises the step of retrieving at least one of an initial capital cost, a maintenance cost, labor cost, cost of consumables and internal power consumption cost information from the centralized database.

Claim 9

A method according to claim 2 wherein said step of submitting information for multiple units further comprises the steps of: selecting a fuel type out of at least one of a coal and natural gas; inputting coal pricing information by inputting an actual cost of at least one of a fuel type selected; and inputting transportation costs associated with the fuel selected.

Claim 10

A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of computing performance metrics further comprises the step of computing operational parameters at various load conditions.

Claim 11

A method according to claim 9 wherein said step of computing operational parameters at various load conditions further comprises the step of computing at least one of fuel consumption, Heat Losses, Gross Heat Rate per Hour, Net Heat Rate per Hour, Heat Losses, Efficiency of the Unit, Gross Heat Fired in million BTU per hour, Super Heater Flow, Re-Heater Flow, Heat Input, Equivalent Output, Reheat To Superheat Ratio, and other performance metrics at various load conditions.

Claim 12

A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of computing performance metrics further comprises the step of predicting fuel and consumable consumption.

Claim 13

A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of computing performance metrics further comprises the step of verifying the actual performance of the units at a specific load condition.

Claim 14

A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of computing performance metrics further comprises the step of calculating the approximate dimensions of the boilers' furnace for operational considerations.

Claim 15

A computer program embodied on a computer readable medium for managing evaluation and selection of a power plant out of a plurality of power plants for a business entity interested in acquiring at least one power plant, the business entity having operational and financial objectives, said computer program comprising a code segment that: receives facility information including historical operational data and predicted future operational data for each of the plurality of power plants; maintains a database by adding, deleting and updating facility information for each power plant; computes performance metrics for each power plant using the historical operational data and the predicted future operational data; analyzes investment risks associated with acquiring each of the power plants based on the performance metrics: performs a financial comparison of each of the power plants based on at least one of the performance metrics and the investment risks; and generates management reports based on the received facility information; including recommending a power plant that most closely satisfies the operational and financial objectives of the business entity.

Claim 16

A computer program embodied on a computer readable medium for managing evaluation and selection of a power plant out of a plurality of power plants for a business entity interested in acquiring at least one power plant, the business entity having operational and financial objectives, said computer program comprising a code segment that: receives facility information including historical operational data and predicted future operational data for each of the plurality of power plants; maintains a database by adding, deleting and updating facility information for each power plant; computes performance metrics for each power plant using the historical operational data and the predicted future operational data; analyzes investment risks associated with acquiring each of the power plants based on the performance metrics: performs a financial comparison of each of the power plants based on at least one of the performance metrics and the investment risks; and generates management reports based on the received facility information; including recommending a power plant that most closely satisfies the operational and financial objectives of the business entity.

Claim 17

The computer program as recited in claim 14 further includes a code segment that provides online help to the user by downloading a user manual on to a client device.

Claim 18

The computer program as recited in claim 14 further includes a code segment that receives at least one of a unit gross capacity, number of hours that the unit has operated since the Commercial Operation (CO) date, the number of hours that the unit will be available for operation, and the anticipated load that the unit will be dispatched.

Claim 19

The computer program as recited in claim 16 further includes: a code segment that receives at least one of a Unit Gross Output, a House Load, Existing Operational Hours, Percentage of Available Hours Dispatched, a Dispatched Load, Fuels Information, a Cycle, Feed Water Temperature, and Stack Temperature; and a code segment that receives Facility Equipment Information by selecting at least one of a Flyash Control Equipment, a SO2 Control Equipment, a Mercury Control Equipment, and a NOx Control Equipment to reflect the actual condition of the facility that is being evaluated.

Claim 20

The computer program as recited in claim 17 further includes a code segment that receives at least one of an initial capital cost, a maintenance cost, a labor cost, a cost of consumables, and an internal power consumption cost information from the centralized database.

Claim 21

The computer program as recited in claim 14 further includes a code segment that generates at least one of an Operations Cost Summary Report, a General Information Report, a Capital Costs Summary Report, an Annual Maintenance Costs Report, a Major Maintenance Summary Report, a Fees and Services Report, a Direct Material Report, an Equipment, Rental & Spares Report, a Fuels Report, a Coal Offset Report, an O & M Labor, Purchased Power & Fuel Calculations Report, a Steam Correction Factor Report, a Turbine Generator Report, a Dispatch Information Report, an Annual Summary of Key Information to Analyze Potential Investment Report, a CO 2 Tax Calculations Report, and an Operational Cost Summary Report.

Claim 22

A computer program embodied on a computer readable medium for managing evaluations of power generating facilities using a server system coupled to a centralized database and at least one client system, said computer program comprising: a code segment that receives facility information from a user, facility information includes historical operational data and predicted future operational data for each of the power generating facilities; a code segment that stores the facility information into the centralized database and cross-references the facility information for each of the power generating facilities against an unique identifier; a code segment that analyzes each of the power generating facilities based on facility information and pre-selected criteria stored in the server system in response to an inquiry by the user; and a code segment that recommends a specific power generating facility for investment purposes.

Claim 23

A computer program embodied on a computer readable medium for managing evaluations of power generating facilities using a server system coupled to a centralized database and at least one client system, said computer program comprising: a code segment that receives facility information from a user, facility information includes historical operational data and predicted future operational data for each of the power generating facilities; a code segment that stores the facility information into the centralized database and cross-references the facility information for each of the power generating facilities against an unique identifier; a code segment that analyzes each of the power generating facilities based on facility information and pre-selected criteria stored in the server system in response to an inquiry by the user; and a code segment that recommends a specific power generating facility for investment purposes.

Claim 24

The computer program as recited in claim 20 wherein the server system and the client system are connected via a network, the network is a wide area network operable using a protocol including at least one of TCP/IP and IPX.

Claim 25

The computer program as recited in claim 20 wherein the data is received from the user via a graphical user interface.

Claim 26

The computer program as recited in claim 20 further includes a code segment that prioritizes facilities based on pre-stored assumptions in the database.

Claim 27

The computer program as recited in claim 20 includes a code segment that displays information through an HTML document downloaded by the server system.

Claim 28

The computer program as recited in claim 20 further comprising: a code segment that accesses the centralized database; a code segment that searches the database regarding the specific inquiry; a code segment that retrieves information from the database; and a code segment that causes the retrieved information to be displayed on the client system.

Claim 29

The computer program as recited in claim 20 wherein the client system and the server system are connected via a network and wherein the network is one of a wide area network, a local area network, an intranet and the Internet.

Claim 30

The computer program as recited in claim 20 , and further comprising a code segment that monitors the security of the system by restricting access to unauthorized individuals.

Claim 31

Apparatus for recommending at least one power generating facility from a plurality of power generating facilities to a business entity interested in acquiring a power generating facility, said apparatus comprising: means for prompting a user to enter power generating facility information for the plurality of power generating facilities, the facility information including historical operational data for each of the power generating facilities; means for predicting future operational data for each of the power generating facilities based on the historical operational data of the corresponding power generating facility; means for calculating performance metrics for each of the power generating facilities using the historical operational data and the predicted future operational data of the corresponding power generating facility; means for identifying investment risks associated with acquiring each of the power generating facilities based on the performance metrics of the corresponding power generating facility; and means for analyzing each of the power generating facilities based on the performance metrics and the identified investment risks to recommend a power generating facility out of the plurality of power generating facilities.

Claim 32

Apparatus for recommending at least one power generating facility from a plurality of power generating facilities to a business entity interested in acquiring a power generating facility, said apparatus comprising: means for prompting a user to enter power generating facility information for the plurality of power generating facilities, the facility information including historical operational data for each of the power generating facilities; means for predicting future operational data for each of the power generating facilities based on the historical operational data of the corresponding power generating facility; means for calculating performance metrics for each of the power generating facilities using the historical operational data and the predicted future operational data of the corresponding power generating facility; means for identifying investment risks associated with acquiring each of the power generating facilities based on the performance metrics of the corresponding power generating facility; and means for analyzing each of the power generating facilities based on the performance metrics and the identified investment risks to recommend a power generating facility out of the plurality of power generating facilities.

Claim 33

Apparatus according to claim 28 wherein said means for prompting a user to enter power generating facility information further comprises means for storing information.

Claim 34

Apparatus according to claim 28 wherein said means for analyzing each of the power generating facilities further comprises means for: tracking facility information on a real time basis; storing facility information on a real time basis; and updating the centralized database with revised facility information on a real time basis to provide up-to-date information instantaneously to the user upon a request.

Claim 35

Apparatus according to claim 28 wherein said means for analyzing each of the power generating facilities further comprises means for analyzing based on a pre-defined model and assumptions developed from the past experience and stored in the database.

Claim 36

Apparatus according to claim 28 further comprising means to generate a report of the facility analysis.

Claim 37

Apparatus according to claim 28 further comprising means for reviewing strategic model and financial assumptions.

Claim 38

Apparatus according to claim 28 wherein said means for analyzing each of the facilities further comprises means for determining impact on return on investment.

Claim 39

Apparatus according to claim 28 wherein said means for analyzing each of the facilities further comprises means for establishing various trigger levels that identify risk of the investment as at least one of a medium risk, a low risk and a high risk.

Claim 40

Apparatus according to claim 35 wherein said means for analyzing each of the facilities further comprises means for revalidating trigger levels.

Claim 41

A web-based system for selecting a power generating facility from a plurality of power generating facilities by a business entity interested in acquiring a power generating facility and utilizing a strategic decision model, the business entity having operational and financial objectives, said system comprising: a client system comprising a browser; a data storage device for storing information relating to the plurality of power generating facilities, the information includes historical operational data and predicted future operational data for each of the power generating facilities; a server system configured to be coupled to said client system and said database, said server system further configured to: receive facility information for each of the power generating facilities; allocate operating expenses for each of the power generating facilities based on the historical operational data and the predicted future operational data for each of the facilities; calculate a facility cost and an associated return on investment for each of the power generating facilities; provide various management reports that provide operational details for each of the power generating facilities; and recommend a power generating facility from the plurality of power generating facilities satisfying the operational and financial objectives of the business entity.

Claim 42

A web-based system for selecting a power generating facility from a plurality of power generating facilities by a business entity interested in acquiring a power generating facility and utilizing a strategic decision model, the business entity having operational and financial objectives, said system comprising: a client system comprising a browser; a data storage device for storing information relating to the plurality of power generating facilities, the information includes historical operational data and predicted future operational data for each of the power generating facilities; a server system configured to be coupled to said client system and said database, said server system further configured to: receive facility information for each of the power generating facilities; allocate operating expenses for each of the power generating facilities based on the historical operational data and the predicted future operational data for each of the facilities; calculate a facility cost and an associated return on investment for each of the power generating facilities; provide various management reports that provide operational details for each of the power generating facilities; and recommend a power generating facility from the plurality of power generating facilities satisfying the operational and financial objectives of the business entity.

Claim 43

A system according to claim 37 wherein said server system further configured to: receive at least one of at least one of a unit gross capacity, number of hours that the unit has operated since the Commercial Operation (CO) date, the number of hours that the unit will be available for operation, and the anticipated load that the unit will be dispatched; receive at least one of a Unit Gross Output, a House Load, Existing Operational Hours, a Percentage of Available Hours Dispatched, a Dispatched Load, Fuels Information, a Cycle, a Feed Water Temperature, and a Stack Temperature; receive Facility Equipment Information by selecting at least one of a Flyash Control Equipment, a SO 2 Control Equipment, a Mercury Control Equipment, and a NOx Control Equipment to reflect the actual condition of the facility that is being evaluated; and receive at least one of an initial capital cost, a maintenance cost, a labor cost, cost of consumables and internal power consumption cost information from the centralized database.

Claim 44

A system according to claim 37 wherein said server system further configured to store facility information.

Claim 45

A system according to claim 37 wherein said server system further configured to: track facility information on a real time basis; store facility information on a real time basis; and update the centralized database with revised facility information on a real time basis to provide up-to date information instantaneously to the user upon a request.

Claim 46

A system according to claim 40 wherein said server system further configured to update the database by at least one of adding new information, deleting the current information and editing the current information stored in the database.

Claim 47

A system according to claim 40 wherein said server system further configured to update the database instantaneously by accepting the facility information entered on-line.

Claim 48

A system according to claim 40 wherein said server system further configured to update the database instantaneously by accepting the facility information at least through one of a voice activation command and a device connected to the client system.

Claim 49

A system according to claim 37 wherein said server system further configured to: download requested information from a server system; and display requested information on a client system in response to the inquiry.

Claim 50

A system according to claim 37 wherein said server system further configured to print requested information in a pre-determined format.

Claim 51

A system according to claim 45 wherein said server system further configured to display an HTML document downloaded by the server system.

Claim 52

A system according to claim 45 wherein said server system further configured to print at least one of an Operations Cost Summary Report, a General Information Report, a Capital Costs Summary Report, an Annual Maintenance Costs Report, a Major Maintenance Summary Report, a Fees and Services Report, a Direct Material Report, an Equipment, Rental & Spares Report, a Fuels Report, a Coal Offset Report, an O & M Labor, a Purchased Power & Fuel Calculations Report, a Steam Correction Factor Report, a Turbine Generator Report, a Dispatch Information Report, an Annual Summary of Key Information to Analyze Potential Investment Report, a CO 2 Tax Calculations Report, and an Operational Cost Summary Report.

Claim 53

A system according to claim 37 wherein said server system further configured to: determine at least one of a desired facility out of all available power generating facilities; and print relevant information regarding the desired facility.

Claim 54

The system according to claim 37 wherein the client system and the server system are connected via a network and wherein the network is one of a wide area network, a local area network, an intranet and the Internet.

Claim 55

A system according to claim 37 wherein said client system is further configured with: a displaying component; and a sending component to send an inquiry to the server system so that the server system can process and download the requested information to the client system.

Claim 56

A system according to claim 50 wherein the sending component functions in response to a click of a mouse button.

Claim 57

A system according to claim 50 wherein the sending component functions in response to a voice command.

Claim 58

The client system of claim 37 wherein said system is further configured to be protected from access by unauthorized individuals.

Claim 59

A system according to claim 37 wherein said server system is further configured with a displaying component for displaying various user interfaces to the user, a receiving component for receiving an inquiry to provide information from one of a plurality of users, a collection component for collecting information from users into the centralized database, a tracking component for tracking information on an on-going basis, and an accessing component for accessing the centralized database and causing the retrieved information to be displayed on the client system.

Claim 60

A system according to claim 54 wherein said server system further configured with a processing component for searching and processing received inquiries against the data storage device containing a variety of information collected by the collection component.

Claim 61

A system according to claim 55 wherein said server system further configured with a retrieving component to retrieve information from the data storage device.

Claim 62

A system according to claim 56 wherein said server system further configured with an information fulfillment component that downloads the requested information after retrieving from the data storage device to the plurality of users in the order in which the requests were received by the receiving component.

Claim 63

A system according to claim 37 wherein said server system further configured to receive input directly from a plurality of individuals and update the centralized database.

Claim 64

A computer to facilitate an online strategic decision making process to select a power generating facility from a plurality of power generating facilities by a business entity for acquisition purposes, the business entity having acquisition objectives, said computer coupled to a centralized database and programmed to: receive a power generating facility information into a centralized database, the power generating facility information includes historical operational data and predicted future operational data for each of the plurality of power generating facilities; store the power generating facility information into various sub-sections of the centralized database to create a facility profile and cross-reference the facility profile against a unique identifier for easy retrieval and update; identify a subset of power generating facilities from the plurality of power generating facilities; evaluate each facility included within the identified subset using pre-determined values stored in the centralized database and the corresponding power generating facility information; and generate reports identifying a power generating facility from the subset of power generating facilities satisfying the acquisition objectives of the business entity.

Claim 65

A computer to facilitate an online strategic decision making process to select a power generating facility from a plurality of power generating facilities by a business entity for acquisition purposes, the business entity having acquisition objectives, said computer coupled to a centralized database and programmed to: receive a power generating facility information into a centralized database, the power generating facility information includes historical operational data and predicted future operational data for each of the plurality of power generating facilities; store the power generating facility information into various sub-sections of the centralized database to create a facility profile and cross-reference the facility profile against a unique identifier for easy retrieval and update; identify a subset of power generating facilities from the plurality of power generating facilities; evaluate each facility included within the identified subset using pre-determined values stored in the centralized database and the corresponding power generating facility information; and generate reports identifying a power generating facility from the subset of power generating facilities satisfying the acquisition objectives of the business entity.

Claim 66

The computer according to claim 59 further programmed to provide a notification to users via electronic mail regarding final decision.

Claim 67

The computer according to claim 59 further programmed to provide a detail history of the facility, current operating expenses, and planned projections including return on investment.

Claim 68

The computer according to claim 59 further programmed to search various facilities from the centralized database based on pre-determined criteria.

Claim 69

The computer according to claim 59 further programmed to add facilities and other related information to the centralized database.

Claim 70

The computer according to claim 59 further programmed to provide flexibility to an administrator to make changes to the centralized database by at least one of adding, modifying and deleting information.