Concepts¶
The IDAES Integrated Platform combines an extensible, equation-oriented process modeling framework with advanced solver and computer architectures to enable advanced process systems engineering capabilities. The platform is based on the Python-based algebraic modeling language Pyomo, and while not necessary, users may benefit from a basic familiarity with Pyomo (link to documentation).
The IDAES Integrated Platform was designed to be modular, and is based on the block-hierarchical structure shown below:
An IDAES process model begins with a process flowsheet, which is the canvas on which the representation of the user’s process will be constructed. Each process consists of a network of unit operations which represent different pieces of equipment within the process (such as reactors, heater and pumps) and are connected together to form the overall process. Each unit operation in turn is made up of modular components – a unit model which describes the behavior and performance of the piece of equipment, a thermophysical property package which represents the material being processed by the unit operation, and a reaction package (if applicable) which represents any chemical reactions that may occur within the unit. Each of these components can be further broken down into sub-modules:
- Unit models consist of a set of material, energy and momentum balance equations which describe how material flows through the system, coupled with a set of performance equation which describe phenomena such as heat and mass transfer.
- Thermophysical property packages (generally) consist of a set of ideal, pure component properties for each component, a set of mixing rules and departure functions which describe how the mixture properties depend on the ideal properties, and a set of equations describing phase-equilibrium phenomena.
At the other end of the spectrum, IDAES process models are designed to be general purpose and to be applicable to a wide range of modeling activities. By providing access to a wide range of different numerical solvers and modeling tools, IDAES process models can be applied to a wide range of different problems, such as:
- process optimization and simulation of both steady-state and dynamic applications,
- data reconciliation,
- parameter estimation and uncertainty quantification,
- optimization under uncertainty, and
- conceptual design (superstructure problems).
Modeling Components¶
The IDAES Integrated Platform represents each level within the hierarchy above using “modeling components”. Each of these components represents a part of the overall model structure and form the basic building blocks of any IDAES process model. An introduction to each of the IDAES modeling components can be found here.
Model Libraries¶
To provide a starting point for modelers in using the process modeling tools, the IDAES Integrated Platform contains a library of models for common unit operations and thermophysical properties. Modelers can use these out-of-the-box models to represent their process applications or as building blocks for developing their own models. All models within IDAES are designed to be fully open and extensible, allowing users to inspect and modify them to suit their needs. Documentation of the available model libraries can be found here.