Use OPC Data to Test a Binary Distillation Column Plant Model

This example uses:

This example shows how to use data from an OPC server to test composition control of a binary distillation column model.

PREREQUISITES:

Install a Simulation Server for OPC Examples

Model Description

The distillation column controller has been tuned using Simulink® Design Optimization™. For more information, see distillation_demo.mdl from Simulink Design Optimization.

The OPC server provides a random signal for the set-points, and for injecting an output disturbance on the process (see the OPC Read blocks, colored blue). The plant outputs are written back to the OPC server using the blue OPC Write block.

Running Simulink Models Faster Than Real-Time

Note how in this example runs the model at 300 times real-time, using the speedup factor in the OPC Configuration block (colored orange). The distillation column model has very slow time constants (on the order of 20 minutes), and it is desirable to test the simulation at faster rates than real-time. By using the speedup factor, you can simulate 400 minutes in approximately 80 seconds. This model could be connected to an HMI or SCADA system to train operators in expected plant responses, or to validate the SCADA system against desired performance specifications.