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Rockwell Automation released v5.0 of its Pavilion8 Model Predictive Control (MPC) software, designed to help create a more user-friendly configuration environment, step-by-step prompts, warning diagnostics, and more flexible work flows to help simplify building, maintaining and adjusting complex process models.
Pavilion8 MPC v5.0 software remains control system independent, but integrates with the PlantPAx process automation system from Rockwell Automation and includes the following four enhancements.
Windows-based configuration and support – New updated Windows-based solution builder tools help to improve the work flow experience for both expert and inexperienced users by enabling the creation of a customized working environment and providing access to online help. For example, problems that arise during configuration will now prompt context-sensitive warning and error messages. Users can click on these messages to receive detailed model-creation steps that will guide them toward a resolution. Users can also more easily modify past work to help simplify model maintenance and re-use.
Multivariable run-time controller – New time-saving features in version 5.0 include a run-time controller that has been updated to allow users to add new predictive disturbance measures in less time than the previous version, and compare differences in MPC application versions. Users now can sort, re-name, add, delete, compare and copy MPC variables and software supporting a more flexible work flow, which can help reduce troubleshooting time. Output variables, such as powder moisture from an industrial dryer or reactor pressure in a vessel, can also be used as inputs to a nonlinear control model to help simplify deployment. Multiple developments that enhance integrating control models help to simplify and improve run-time performance.
Continuous controller monitoring – Version 5.0 enables users to configure their process models with specific metrics for production, quality, and energy usage. They can also continuously measure their processes according to these metrics and use historical records to track ongoing benefits. The software incorporates new data efficiencies to provide a faster and more responsive trend environment, particularly for supporting larger and more demanding systems.
Supports modern browsers and operating systems – Rockwell Automation re-designed the software's user interface to align with current technology standards in order to make the Pavilion8 experience more consistent with other software environments and help improve overall ease of use. This includes support for newer browsers, such as Internet Explorer 11, and operating systems, such as Windows Server 2012.
Pavilion8 software is the primary Rockwell Automation platform for MPC and real-time environmental management. It also combines empirical and first principle models into a single composite model. Pavilion8 software uses a configuration approach that allows it to adapt from simple linear to challenging nonlinear processes.
Keywords: Flexible Work Flows, Configuration Environment, Process Automation, Run-Time Controller, ARC Advisory Group.