Open Architecture Modeling And Optimization For Complex Process Systems

Nowadays, process systems have been increasingly characterized by large-scale, more complexity and higher accuracy. With the rapid development of computer and network technology, modeling and optimization technologies have grown into appropriate maturity and play an important role in process design and operation. Among these open equation technique based on rigorous modeling is well recognized as state of arts in process system engineering. However, lack of openness and flexibility has been prohibiting software and tools from cooperating smoothly and effectively in face of large-scale problems. Some new and efficient approaches to make them communicating and working together easily are heavily demanded.In this thesis, we focus on integrating modern software technology with modeling and optimization software for more openness, more effectiveness and more flexibility. The main contributions could be summarized as follows:1) The modeling characteristics and requirements for modern process industries are described. And then two primary modeling technologies are discussed and compared with each other. The state of the art of process modeling and optimization software is reviewed. It's pointed out that open architecture is a key to solving complex problems with practical needs, and effective collaboration between software is of great importance.2) OMSMAT(Open Modeling System toolbox for MATLAB) was designed and implemented based on object-orientation, hash and memory mirror technology. Some important issues concerning design of equation-based system, construction of atom model, module building, inheritance, reusable capability and fast searching on variables and equations are discussed. Its validity, usability, efficiency are illustrated in structured modeling of a distillation column.3) The idea of SOA(Service Oriented Architecture) is presented. Based on component technology, a new application mode of modeling and optimization with SOA is proposed, which enhances the interfacing capabilities and collaboration between software, and makes possible seamless integration of a variety of tools.4) ASCEND (Advanced System for Computations in ENgineering Design) was chosen as the base for equation-oriented modeling. Its inherent structure, data flow, working mode and communication interface were redefined and reconstructed. With the support from AUTOMATION and COM+ technology, AscendServer and ASCENDCOM+ were built as the core service providing modeling and optimization functionalities. Some key issues, such as componentization, interface design, coordination between processes and COM+ application configuration and deploying are discussed in details. A data reconciliation system of water consumption balancing for Yangzi Petroleum Company is given to verify the efficiency and functionalities of the new open structure service.5) CAPE-OPEN(Computer-Aided Process Engineering Open Simulation Environment), the next generation of process simulating application standard, is introduced. In CAPE-OPEN 1.0 version, the specification of the interfaces necessary for a CAPE-OPEN equation-oriented unit operations component has not been provided. Capturing the philosophy of CAPE-OPEN, unit operation interface of open-equation approach was defined, and its implementation on ASCEND was designed.