This award, of $390,000, is for research and curriculum development for power plant intelligent distributed control. Many new specialized skills in applying simulation, computer networking, and microprocessor-based controller programming have been acquired by the faculty and graduate students that have been choosing this research. In order to accelerate the achievement of the goal of improving power generation reliability, economy, and safety through the implementation of modern control technologies, an efficient mechanism is needed for teaching new graduate students and industry specialists the required skills for conducting applied research in this area. For this purpose, current research will be expanded to plant-wide system implementation and an introductory graduate level course will be developed over a three year period. The course will later be suitable for advanced undergraduates that are going to graduate school or will be employed in the power industry.
