Pi-SKALP Adaptable plattform for process integration

Purpose and goal

The purpose of the project is a general platform that can be configured for a variety of process systems within process industry. The platform will have functions for import of sub-models (process units), optimisation algorithms and configuration of process systems (process units in sequence) and objective functions (minimisation of production costs or estimation of material properties via regression). The goal is fulfilled regarding generalisation, but planned application in Höganäs could not be realised due to underestimated need of resources for adaption of the platform.

Expected results and effects

The project has resulted in a general platform that can be configured for a variety of process systems within process industry. The platform has functions for import of sub-models and can be integrated with surrounding systems at the user. Through use of the platform, reduced production costs is foreseen by more efficient utilisation of alloy elements and secondary materials. However, significant amount of development (user interface, objective functions and optimisation algorithms) are needed before the platform can be used for on-line control.

Planned approach and implementation

The work was initiated with a use-case study where the project members described their intended use of the platform. The result from the study was used as basis for a functionality specification. Prevas developed the platform according th the specification while Swerim focused on conversion of earlier developed process models to Matlab/Simulink. LTU assisted with expert knowledge regarding conversion and coding of models for import to the platform. Höganäs assested with domain knowledge and integration with surrounding systems during installation of the platform in Halmstad.