Virtual engineering framework for automatic generation of control logic including safety

Abstract

In this paper a new virtual engineering framework based on clever components for automatic generation of control logic including safety is presented. Manual practices of modeling plant components and writing PLC programs is an error-prone and time consuming task. This new virtual engineering framework enables automatic generation of control solutions based on cloud based repositories, containing clever components with formalized logic descriptions provided by vendors. Consequently reduced time for virtual engineering and commissioning can be achieved by avoiding current manual practices. Other advantages include testing and validation of PLC logic and plant models in the engineering phase, and less human errors due to automatic generation of both plant models and logic. In addition, this framework will help in the development of more reliable and robust safety logic and assist the procedure of issuing safety certificate.