Case Study: Southern Mississippi Electric Power Association (SMEPA) achieves up to 1.5% heat-rate improvement and <1-year payback with AVEVA Connoisseur optimization

Optimization System Increases Profitability of Southern Mississippi Electric Power Association

SMEPA (Southern Mississippi Electric Power Association) needed to improve heat rate and overall boiler efficiency at its R.D. Morrow Generating Station while maintaining low NOx emissions. AVEVA deployed the SimSci‑Esscor Connoisseur™ Online Optimization (a model predictive and neural‑network based controller) as a supervisory layer over the existing DCS to optimize Riley turbo‑fired units and the ball mills.

AVEVA’s Connoisseur™ optimizer and Expert System soot‑blower advisory implemented coordinated multivariable control of furnace and mill operations, reducing dry‑gas losses and loss‑on‑ignition, improving mill grind and generation capability on lower‑grade coal. The project delivered expected heat‑rate improvements up to 1.5%, a payback of less than one year, maintained steam temperatures and NOx limits, and integrated smoothly with operators’ existing controls.

SMEPA