Plant Optimizer control decisions, for example equipment staging, are based on current and predicted future conditions such as loads and utility rates. Plant Optimizer uses past patterns to predict future loads and utility rates based on past patterns with weather data, and the type and time of the day.
Plant Simulator models predictive optimization control decisions which differ from traditional control logic. Future predictions can be generated by Plant Optimizer; however, Plant Simulator does not generate future predictions. Enter the hourly weather and load profile for the simulation period, or a plant location address and assumptions to generate a weather and load profile for the simulation period.
Plant Simulator optimization runs assume perfect predictions with no prediction error.