Designed to optimize the steam network, DNA Steam Network Manager uses model predictive control to balancing steam consumption and generation to ensure a stable steam supply under all conditions. A special feature of this delivery is the ability of the system to also follow spot prices for electricity and provide set points for electricity production at the most favourable times.

According to Teijo Salonpää, Solution Manager at Metso, the Kaukas mill will now have the ability to ensure that energy demands within the mill as well as district heating needs are met while optimizing electricity production.

The system will also provide significant savings by reducing production time lost to disturbances in the steam network using compensators during periods of high demand. DNA Steam Network Manager constantly calculates compensator capacities to determine the amount of steam they can charge or discharge to meet demand. In addition to dedicated steam accumulators, compensators used by DNA Steam Network Manager can include deaerators/feedwater tanks, balancing or dump condensers, steam reduction stations, boilers, condensing turbines and various other mill sub-processes.