OptiRamp® Advanced Dispatch Control System

The OptiRamp Advanced Dispatch Control System (ADCS) software suite is a model-based, real-time, process optimization solution that combines industry-leading advanced process control (APC) hybrid modeling and dynamic simulation techniques with advanced enterprise information and integration technologies.

OptiRamp is a platform for building mathematical computer models of process components to dynamically simulate and track mass and energy through the entire enterprise. This model is originally built on first principles but then adapts—or self-tunes—through interface with control systems to very precisely emulate the process in parallel and in real time. Where field measurements do not exist, process conditions can be predicted so that accurate efficiency measurement and control can be performed.

OptiRamp uses artificial intelligence to determine how the process can be dispatched and controlled most efficiently to meet the optimization objectives. These objectives may be to minimize emissions, decrease operational costs, improve network efficiency, or a combination of these and other management goals. Because real-time equipment performance—not just OEM performance data—are determined, optimization is maximized at all times.

OptiRamp enterprise visualization takes management and operational analyses that have been based on a combination of SCADA and historical data crunching to a much higher level. Through internet or intranet interface, management at all levels of the enterprise can see complete enterprise real-time efficiencies. Moreover, through interface with future data sources (energy cost schedules, weather forecasts, historical demand trends, etc.), OptiRamp can perform horizon dispatch optimization scheduling and predict future operational efficiencies. Stated another way, instead of management making operational decisions based on historical information, management can now make decisions based on present and future information.

Through parametric diagnostics, OptiRamp provides an analysis and optimization tool for scheduling maintenance based on efficiency decline. Maintaining near-maximum performance saves energy and improves production efficiency and throughput that can offset the cost of maintenance — potentially many times over.

Off-line process simulation enables users to change their enterprise model in a virtual environment. Potential equipment modifications can be made to the model through a graphical user interface to dynamically simulate and measure the benefits to best plan future capital improvements.

OptiRamp has been developed to model, simulate, optimize, and control both hydraulic and electrical (micro-grid) processes.