Use OPC UA Data to Test Binary Distillation Column Plant Model

Prerequisites:

Model Description

The distillation column controller in this example has been tuned using Simulink® Design Optimization™. For more information, refer to distillation_demo.slx available with the Distillation Controller Tuning (Simulink Design Optimization) example.

The image shows a model where the OPC UA server provides a random signal for the setpoint, and for injecting an output disturbance on the process. The OPC UA Read block labelled as Setpoint inputs the model with the data read from a node named Random with an identifier 1002. The OPC UA Read block labelled as Disturbance inputs the model with the data read from the nodes named Random and Sawtooth with identifiers 1002 and 1003, respectively. The plant model outputs data to the server using the OPC UA Write block.

Running Simulink Models Faster Than Real-Time

Note that the OPCUABlksDistillation model provided with this example runs 300 times faster than the real-time, using the Simulation Pacing Options (Simulink) options in Simulink. The distillation column model has very slow time constants (in 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. You can connect this model to an HMI or SCADA system to train operators in expected plant responses, or to validate the SCADA system against desired performance specifications.