MPC Simulate overview

The MPC Simulate application simulates a process model and control definition that was created in the DeltaV Predict application and saved in the database. MPC Simulate can be used before downloading to test the model and control under plant-like conditions without disturbing actual plant operations and can serve as an operator training tool.

Typically you create a model in DeltaV Predict, generate the control, and download to the controller. With MPC Simulate, you have the option of simulating the model before using it in your process. After creating a model in DeltaV Predict, and before generating control and downloading it, run MPC Simulate on the new model. This allows the previously generated model and control to initialize an MPC block and the new model to initialize an MPC Process Simulator block. Both blocks run locally within the MPC Simulate application. As a result, you can view the behavior of the new model before you generate control and download to the controller.

Use MPC simulate to:

• Test the affect of noise and other unmeasured load disturbances on the process.
• Speed up the MPC block execution by an execution multiplier in continuous mode. The time scrolls continuously based on the multiplier.
• Pause time scale scrolling.
• Execute the selected number of steps in step mode. The time scale advances based on the number of steps in seconds. For example, if the number of steps is set at 2, the block executes twice and the time scale advances 2 seconds. (The default number of steps is the time span of the future area.)
• Change a setpoint or Manipulated variable to test its affect on predicted Control and Constraint variables.