Ptolemy

This simulation tool looks very useful over a broad range of uses where graphical model construction is a must (i.e. PyDSTool isn't suitable - see SciPy) or a rigorous simulation of mixed discrete and continuous system is required. More information can be found on the Ptolemy page. Some uses that come to mind are:

• Continuous-time simulation of control schemes + plant models
• Hi-Fidelity simulation of hybrid systems (e.g. bucket-wheel reclaimers)
• Hardware/Plant "in the loop" real-time testing of control schemes (needs OPC actors)

• WorkFlow construction tool for continuous monitoring of (remote) control schemes and equipment performance

  • PID controller performance, other control performance measures
  • Workflows + models (+ EKFs?) for process performance monitoring and equipment condition monitoring
• PLC (etc) code generation from modelled control schemes (need to know more about how such code generation could work)

It would be nice if Ptolemy became popular with the simulation community and the process control community in particular, such that a base of "actor" building-blocks could be accumulated for everyone to use. Some screenshots for an example control-loop including a couple of quick blocks I constructed (PID controller and a FOPDT process dynamic, source: PID_test.xml):