Extending DEVS-Scheme for control of an oxygen production test bed

Abstract

This thesis describes an implementation of real-time simulation and control in the DEVS-Scheme environment. The plant is described by discrete event models developed within the event-based control paradigm. A model of the controller is employed to validate its design against a model of the plant. The same model is then migrated over to actual operation by interfacing it to a programmable sensor/actuator interface unit. A system entity structure is employed to generate both the simulation and execution versions of the controller. This methodology is supported by extensions to the DEVS-Scheme simulation environment which facilitate its use for real-time control. As an example, an intelligent controller is developed to control temperature and pressure of an oxygen production prototype system which converts carbon dioxide to oxygen. Such a system is eventually intended to operate autonomously on Mars.