MLD Block Merging for Industrial Process Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of Mixed Logical Dynamic (MLD) systems makes it difficult for non-experts to model and maintain complex industrial systems, and existing model predictive control methods require advanced optimization solvers for solving optimal control problems.
Innovation Solution
A method to merge arbitrarily interconnected MLD subsystems into a combined system, allowing for the automatic generation and solution of optimal control problems and scheduling applications using Model Predictive Control (MPC) techniques, simplifying the process by transforming dependent variables into auxiliary variables and using a graphical representation of MLD blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If MLD systems are used to model complex industrial processes, then the ability to represent hybrid systems with logical rules and constraints is improved, but the complexity of modeling and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex MLD system into multiple interconnected MLD subsystems, each representing a specific functional module of the industrial process. This segmentation allows non-experts to model individual subsystems independently using standardized templates, reducing the overall modeling complexity while maintaining the system's hybrid dynamics representation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a graphical user interface and automated code generation system as intermediaries between the user and the complex MLD mathematical framework. The GUI provides intuitive visual tools for subsystem configuration and connection, while the automated code generation translates graphical models into executable MLD code, shielding users from mathematical complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard MPC routines are used to solve optimal control problems, then the ability to handle time-varying parameters is improved, but the requirement for advanced optimization solvers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated code generation that produces optimized control algorithms tailored to the specific MLD system configuration. The system automatically generates efficient solvers that handle time-varying parameters without requiring users to implement or understand complex optimization algorithms, making advanced MPC capabilities accessible to non-experts.
3Ease of operation
If automated code generation is used to create MLD subsystems, then the ease of modeling is improved, but the loss of information during automatic conversion may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms in the automated code generation process, including validation checks that verify the correctness of generated code against the original graphical model specifications. The system provides feedback to users about potential information loss or modeling errors, allowing for correction before final deployment, thus maintaining modeling ease while minimizing information loss.
Data Source
AI summary
Modelling of industrial processes is simplified with the use of Mixed Logical Dynamic (MLD) framework. Optimal control problems can be generated for application to industrial processes. For example, two arbitrarily connected MLD blocks are automatically merged to obtain one composite MLD block. Via a repeated use of the procedure, any arbitrarily complex system containing the complete description of an industrial process can be generated from the simplest MLD building blocks. The optimal control problem is generated via adding an MLD block whose unique output becomes the cost functional of the problem. In a graphical environment, any specific industrial process may be reproduced by instantiating blocks from a library of basic MLD elements or atomic MLD blocks and by properly connecting them. In case an appropriate library is available, this process will not require any expert knowledge from the end user apart from the ability to build the graphical interconnections mentioned.