Real-time process and control simulation

Date

1996-08

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Texas Tech University

Abstract

This work addresses the problem of easily developing a controller for a complex process. The development of the controller necessitates modeling and simulation of the process using a simulation language which helps reduce the gap between simulation studies and field realization. An example process, the flash tank chemical process, was chosen to make a comparison among the three common languages used for simulation, MATLAB, C and C++. The nonlinear practical process was simulated in these languages. An object-oriented model in C++ was developed for the process. The increased functionality of MATLAB with the use of the MATLAB Compiler and the C Math Library was explored for this process. It was found that a language for simulation should be chosen depending on the priorities in developing the controller. Due to a direct low level implementation, C language can help create more efficient code at the processor level. Due to a better representation of the process in the program, an object-oriented approach using C++ language can help in frequent modifications in the model of a process. However, the code in C or C++ can become lengthy and difficult to program. With the help of built-in functions in MATLAB, MATLAB can help reduce the time for developing a controller.

Description

Keywords

System design, Feedback control systems -- Design and construction, Process control -- Computer simulation

Citation