Virtual Recycling Process Modeling for Multi-Component Byproduct Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for modeling plant recycling processes are limited to recycling byproducts using the same physical component that created them, lacking solutions for multiple-input multiple-output recycling processes where byproducts are recycled by different components, which can be less efficient and cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and apparatus that identify physical representation data of a plant's recycling process, generate a virtual recycling process model, and optimize recycling actions by routing byproducts between different physical components, enabling multiple-input multiple-output recycling processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If byproducts are recycled using the same physical component that created them, then the recycling process is simpler to implement, but the recycling efficiency and cost-effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling physical components to handle multiple functions - specifically, allowing different physical components to process multiple different byproduct streams. The virtual recycling process model enables any physical component to be assigned to recycle any byproduct type, transforming the system from specialized single-function units to multi-functional versatile units, thereby improving recycling efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity through centralized control
2Device complexity
If byproducts are recycled using the same physical component that created them, then the system structure is simpler, but the recycling cost-effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating a virtual recycling process model that replicates the physical plant's structure and relationships. This virtual model allows for flexible reconfiguration of recycling assignments without physically reconfiguring the actual plant, enabling cost-effective optimization of byproduct recycling assignments while maintaining the original physical system structure
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual recycling process model serves as an intermediary between the physical plant structure and the recycling decision-making process. It allows operators to optimize byproduct recycling assignments and generate optimized process models without directly modifying the physical system, thereby improving cost-effectiveness while preserving structural simplicity
3Productivity
If multiple-input multiple-output recycling processes are implemented, then recycling efficiency improves, but the modeling and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual recycling process model creates a simplified digital replica of the complex physical recycling system. This copy allows for easy modeling of multiple-input multiple-output relationships and flexible reconfiguration of recycling assignments without the complexity of directly modeling and controlling the actual physical system, thereby enabling efficient multi-component recycling while reducing control complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer program products are provided herein. For example, a computer-implemented method may include identifying physical representation data representing a physical layout of a recycling process associated with a plant. In some embodiments, the physical representation data comprises a physical representation of a plurality of physical components of the plant associated with the recycling process and a physical representation of a plurality of feed paths associated with the plurality of physical components of the plant associated with the recycling process. In some embodiments, the computer-implemented method may include generating a virtual recycling process model corresponding to the recycling process associated with the plant based at least in part on the physical representation data. In some embodiments, the computer-implemented method may include generating at least one recycling process optimization action based at least in part on the virtual recycling process model.