Virtual start–up of plants using formal methods. (13th February 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Preuße, Sebastian; Gerber, Christian; Hanisch, Hans–Michael
• Is Part Of: International journal of computer applications technology. Volume 42:Number 2/3(2011)
• Page Start: 108
• Page End: 126
• Publication Date: 2012-02-13
• Subjects: formal modelling -- net condition–event systems -- plant behaviour -- speci?cation -- virtual start–ups -- test case generation -- veri?cation -- manufacturing control -- control software bugs -- simulation -- plant start–ups -- control software design -- plant downtime; Technology -- Data processing -- Periodicals; 620.00285
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0952-8091

Abstract

Control software of a manufacturing system is usually designed separated from the real plant or its simulation. Undesired behavior can occur after transferring software to the controller. At best, errors are recognized when starting–up, but there can exist failures that occur rarely and seemingly randomly during operation phase. This problem is of high significance, since the complexity of automated systems rises. Hence, control software bugs should be considered in early project phase. The approach presents an integrated framework that facilitates virtual start–up of a plant. It applies formal methods to simulate and even verify control software. This eases control software design and reduces plant downtimes.