Revision of the Tennessee Eastman Process Model

TLDR

Since its introduction in the 1990s, simulation software such as MATLAB has evolved, rendering the original program flow of the Tennessee Eastman Process model obsolete. The paper examines the underlying code of the Tennessee Eastman Process model, identifies issues caused by software changes, and proposes a modified code to address them. The authors analyze the problem and its cause, then present a modified code and additional changes that broaden the model’s usability. The modifications improve repeatability, reduce simulation runtime, and add process measurements.

Abstract

In this paper, a closer look at the underlying computer code of the well-known Tennessee Eastman Process model is taken. Since its introduction in the 1990s typical simulation software, e.g. MATLAB, which is used to simulate the process model, has changed. Thus the original program flow devised by Downs & Vogel no longer holds. This results in problems regarding the repeatability of simulation results. This problem and its cause are considered in the following and a solution in terms of a modified code is presented. Furthermore, some additional changes are discussed, widening the useability of the simulation model (e.g. lower simulation runtime, additional process measurements).