Artificial neural networks controlled fast valving in a power generation plant

This paper presents an artificial neural-network-based controller to realize the fast valving in a power generation plant. The backpropagation algorithm is used to train the feedforward neural networks controller. The hardware implementation and the test results of the controller on a physical pilot-scale power plant setup are described in detail. Compared with the conventional fast valving methods applied to the same system, test results both with the computer simulation and on a physical pilot-scale power plant setup demonstrate that the artificial neural network controller has satisfactory generalization capability, reliability, and accuracy to be feasible for this critical control operation.