Dynamic flowsheet simulation system for solid phase processes

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Stefan Heinrich
• Subject Area: Mechanical Process Engineering ; Chemical and Thermal Process Engineering ; Software Engineering and Programming Languages
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 443179612

Within the project “Central project: Dynamic simulation of interconnected processes” of the DFG priority programme “SPP 1679: Dynamic simulation of interconnected solids processes” a new dynamic flowsheet simulation system for solid phase processes has been developed. The designed modelling framework, named Dyssol, is able to simulate transient behaviour of complex process structures in the area of solids process engineering. It applies waveform relaxation method, supplemented by convergence and extrapolation methods for rapid dynamic calculations. The used approach with transformation matrices allows proper calculation of multidimensional interdependent distributed parameters of the solid phase. Due to its features, the Dyssol system is not limited to a certain scope, but is generally applicable for a variety of dynamic and steady-state processes. Although the modelling system is validated and fully functional in the scope of the SPP 1679, it was designed as research software, counting upon the close interaction of developers with end users. Therefore, Dyssol is not fully adapted for sustainable use as a free, publicly available, open source application.The main objective of the project presented in this proposal is to provide the community with a unique open source system for dynamic flowsheet simulation of granular materials, which can be used for research and education in a wide range of areas of solids process engineering. To achieve this goal, it is planned to solve such tasks as: design a suitable user interface to simplify interaction with the system; extend the library of models with new operations to make the framework more attractive and useful for a wide range of researchers and engineers; provide easier and more flexible ways to expand the system with new models; improve system performance; provide stability, maintainability and extensibility of program code; develop comprehensive documentation for all aspects of the system; organize easy public access to the source code, binary packages and documentation.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants