Asset Model Generation from Flowsheets for Process Digital Twins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current process simulation systems face inefficiencies in creating asset models, particularly in generating process simulation models and corresponding time-series databases, which are crucial for digital twin systems in industrial environments.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and apparatus that automatically generate a process simulation model and associated time-series database by receiving a flowsheet and process flow table, using predefined attributes for calculations, and enabling preprocessing, postprocessing, and simulation results, ultimately rendering a process digital twin system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual methods are used to create asset models and process simulation models, then model accuracy can be maintained through expert judgment, but the time consumption and complexity of the process increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital twins as virtual copies of physical assets to automatically generate and update process simulation models. The digital twin system replicates the behavior and parameters of physical assets, enabling automated model generation without manual intervention while maintaining accuracy through continuous synchronization with real-time data from the physical assets.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automated self-updating of process simulation models by continuously receiving real-time data from digital twins and automatically regenerating models based on current asset states. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual model updates while maintaining model accuracy through continuous data-driven adjustments.
2Productivity
If automated methods are used to generate process simulation models, then productivity and speed are improved, but the complexity of the system architecture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal digital twin framework that serves multiple functions: it acts as a virtual asset model, a data collection interface, a simulation engine, and an update mechanism for process simulation models. This multi-functional system reduces overall complexity by consolidating what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital twin serves as an intermediary layer between physical assets and process simulation models. It automatically translates real-time asset data into model parameters and updates, simplifying the interaction between physical and virtual systems while enabling automated model generation without direct complex integration between assets and simulation software.
3Reliability
If comprehensive data collection from all assets is performed, then model completeness and accuracy are improved, but the data processing complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data collection and processing by creating individual digital twins for each asset that independently manage their own data. Each digital twin processes and structures data from its corresponding physical asset, then feeds relevant information to the process simulation model. This segmentation distributes data processing complexity across multiple independent units rather than requiring centralized processing of all asset data simultaneously.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for generating an asset model that digitally represents one or more assets of a process or subprocess within an industrial environment are provided. The computer-implemented method includes receiving a flowsheet defining the process or subprocess within the industrial environment and the one or more assets of the process, receiving a process flow table comprising all or a subset of the one or more assets from the flowsheet to be included in the asset model, and automatically generating a process simulation model and an associated process simulation model database from the process flow table using one or more predefined attributes for each of one or more predefined calculations. A process digital twin system may be automatically generated and rendered on a display.