AutoMod-PRE: Feasibility of Automated Model Generation for Industrial Processes

Purpose and goal

AutoMod-PRE has been aiming to investigate the feasibility of automated model generation for industrial processes. The mechanisms for developing the models will utilize both data and process information available in various forms available at the facility. The resulting models can then be used for various purposes such as process optimization, operator training simulation, and fault detection. In the study, Luleå University of Technology, Optimation AB and SSAB EMEA AB participated. All planned activities in the project have been completed during the project´s term.

Expected results and effects

The feasibility study has investigated whether automatic model generation of dynamic models for an industrial process is possible. The study was able to clearly confirm that automatic model generation is possible as well as what methods and tools need to be developed and what research questions need to be addressed. The effect of the study is that a larger consortium has been created and a project application for a large R&D project has been submitted. With the planned project, model generation tools will be developed within 5 years.

Planned approach and implementation

The study conducted a number of workshops where all parties participated in evaluating and specifying more specifically the use cases for models generated in an automated manner. In addition, the implementation of the pilot study was planned. The pilot study was conducted during the later part of the project and was reported at the final workshop. Once feasibility was established, an application for a large R&D project was created. The results were presented at ProcessIT Innovations Day. Cooperation between the parties worked very well.