Papers: Power, Water, and Process
| Year | Title | Authors | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Fluid transient analysis by the method of characteristics using an object-oriented simulation tool. | Ramón Pérez Vara, Sebastián Dormido. Departamento de Informática y Automática, UNED, Madrid, Spain. | This paper analyses fast pressure transients in pipe networks using the method of characteristics implemented inside an object-oriented simulation environment based on EcosimPro. The authors build reusable components for pipes, valves and boundary conditions and use them to simulate water hammer and other transients under different operating scenarios. Working within the EcosimPro framework makes it easy to combine high-fidelity hydraulic models with control logic and plant operation, providing engineers with a practical tool for studying and mitigating fluid transients in industrial installations. |
| 2023 | TRITIUM, hydrogen isotope transport simulation in EcosimPro. | Almudena Rueda Ferreiro(1), Jenifer Serna Pérez(1), Carlos Moreno Tejera(2) (1) Empresarios Agrupados Internacional, Madrid, Spain. (2) Heffen Technologies, Belgium | The work presents TRITIUM, a simulation tool built in EcosimPro to model hydrogen isotope transport and inventory in fusion facilities. Detailed components for pipes, valves, permeation barriers and decay phenomena are assembled into full plant models that track tritium flows and storage over time. By using EcosimPro’s equation-based, object‑oriented approach, TRITIUM can be adapted quickly to new layouts and operating scenarios, giving fusion designers a powerful way to analyse safety, licensing limits and operating strategies without constructing costly pilot plants. |
| 2018 | First principles modeling for the continuous hotpressing process of mdf in EcosimPro | Ines Mostafa, Pedro Santos, Gloria Gutierrez, César de Prada. System Engineering and Automatic Control department, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain | This paper develops a first‑principles model of the continuous hot‑pressing process used to manufacture MDF boards. Thermal, mechanical and moisture‑transport phenomena are represented with distributed‑parameter models and implemented as custom EcosimPro components that can be reused for different press sizes and products. Running the hot‑press model in EcosimPro allows engineers to test control strategies, optimise temperature and pressure profiles and evaluate product quality virtually, reducing the need for disruptive, expensive plant trials. |
| 2017 | Modelling and simulation of firetube boilers with EcosimPro: analysis of continuous and stand-by operation | David Serna Pérez. Universidad de Valladolid and Empresarios Agrupados. | The target of this work is to create an accurate dynamic model of firetube boilers that can reproduce both continuous operation and stand‑by phases. Using EcosimPro, the author builds a library of components for furnace, tubes, drum and control systems, which are combined to evaluate start‑up behaviour, load changes and efficiency. The EcosimPro‑based model becomes a useful tool for tuning control loops, improving fuel economy and supporting operator training without disturbing the real boiler. |
| 2017 | Modeling and simulation of a beet pulp dryer for a training simulator | A. Merino (1), R. Alves (2), L. F. Acebes (3), C. Prada (3). (1) Department of Electromechanical Engineering, University of Burgos, Burgos, Spain. (2) Department of Computer Science and Automatic Control, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain (3) Department of System Engineering and Automatic Control, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain | This paper models a beet pulp dryer as part of a training simulator for the sugar industry. Energy and mass balances are formulated and implemented in EcosimPro to capture dryer dynamics, including moisture content, temperatures and steam consumption under varied operating conditions. Thanks to EcosimPro’s graphical interface and component reuse, the dryer model can be integrated with the rest of the plant, providing operators with realistic scenarios to learn optimum operation and fault response in a safe virtual environment. |
| 2016 | Modelling of a Smart Grid system in EcosimPro | Víctor Pordomingo. Empresarios Agrupados Internacional SA, Spain | The goal is to model a Smart Grid that includes distributed generation, storage and controllable loads in order to study grid behaviour under different control strategies. Using EcosimPro, the author assembles electrical, control and communication components into a single simulation model that can run realistic operating scenarios. EcosimPro’s multi‑domain capabilities allow easy combination of power‑system dynamics with supervisory control logic, making it a practical platform for testing Smart Grid concepts before field deployment. |
| 2016 | ASME paper GT2016-57722: Industrial Gas Turbine Health and Performance Assesment and Field Data | Roumeliotis, Aretakis, Alexiou National Technical University of Athens, Greece | This paper applies advanced gas‑turbine performance models to assess the health of industrial units using field data. The models are implemented in a PROOSIS/EcosimPro framework, enabling degradation and fouling to be inferred by matching simulation results to measured performance. EcosimPro’s strong solvers and parameter‑estimation tools let operators turn raw data into actionable diagnostics, supporting condition‑based maintenance and more efficient operation of power‑generation assets. |
| 2016 | ASME paper GT2016-57272: Assesment of Solar Steam Injection in Gas Turbines | C. Kalathakis, Ν. Aretakis, Ι. Roumeliotis, Α. Alexiou, Κ. Mathioudakis Laboratory of Thermal Turbomachines National Technical University of Athens | The study evaluates using solar‑generated steam injection to increase gas‑turbine efficiency and flexibility. Thermodynamic models of the turbine cycle and the solar steam system are built and coupled in PROOSIS/EcosimPro, enabling dynamic studies under varying solar input and load. EcosimPro’s multi‑physics environment makes it straightforward to link renewable sources with conventional gas‑turbine models, helping engineers quantify realistic benefits and integration constraints for hybrid power plants. |
| 2016 | ASME paper GT2016-57700: Investigation of Different Solar Hybrid Gas Turbines and Exploitation of Rejected Sun Power | C. Kalathakis, Ν. Aretakis, Ι. Roumeliotis, Α. Alexiou, Κ. Mathioudakis Laboratory of Thermal Turbomachines National Technical University of Athens | This paper compares several solar‑hybrid gas‑turbine configurations and explores how to use surplus solar energy that cannot be fully absorbed by the turbine. Using PROOSIS/EcosimPro, the authors construct reusable components for solar receivers, heat exchangers and gas‑turbine sections and combine them into different plant layouts. EcosimPro’s component‑based modelling allows rapid reconfiguration and scenario analysis, supporting the selection of the most promising hybridisation strategies with reduced need for prototype testing. |
| 2015 | Modeling of the Secondary Loop at Trillo NPP, in EcosimPro | Ramón Pérez Vara (1), Eusebio Huélamo Martínez (1), Angel Arguello Tara (1), Santiago García Calvo (2) (1) Empresarios Agrupados AIE, Madrid, Spain (2) CNAT, Spain | The work models the secondary loop of the Trillo nuclear power plant to analyse its dynamic behaviour and study control strategies. An EcosimPro library of components for steam generators, turbines, condensers and feedwater systems is assembled into a plant‑level model that reproduces real operating conditions. With EcosimPro, plant engineers can test manoeuvres, evaluate upgrades and support operator training in a safe virtual replica of the secondary side. |
| 2015 | Design, modelling and simulation of the water detritiation system (WDS) of the ITER project with EcosimPro. | Carlos Rodríguez Aguirre. UVA, Valladolid, Spain | This paper presents the design and dynamic simulation of the ITER Water Detritiation System, responsible for removing tritium from process streams. Detailed process units—such as columns, reactors and storage tanks—are modelled as EcosimPro components and linked into a complete WDS flowsheet. Using EcosimPro allows designers to investigate start‑up, shutdown and upset scenarios, to size equipment and to refine control strategies, increasing confidence in the system’s safety and performance before construction. |
| 2015 | Dynamic simulations of the cryogenic system of a tokamak CEC 2015 | R Cirillo, C Hoa, F Michel, J M Poncet and B Rousset. Univ Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France | The study investigates the dynamic behaviour of a large cryogenic system serving a tokamak, including cooldown, normal operation and transients. A detailed process model is created using a simulation environment of the same family as EcosimPro, with components for compressors, valves, heat exchangers and cryolines. By performing dynamic simulations, engineers gain insight into control challenges and operating margins, reducing commissioning risk and supporting safe, efficient operation of fusion cryoplants. |
| 2015 | Simulating the Transport of Tritium for ITER with EcosimPro | J. Serna(1), A. Rueda(1), C. Moreno(2). (1) EA Internacional, Madrid, Spain (2) EURATOM-CIEMAT, Fusion Association, Madrid, Spain | This work focuses on modelling tritium transport within ITER’s fuel‑cycle systems using EcosimPro. Custom components describe flows through pipes, valves, permeable walls and storage units, as well as decay and chemical reactions, so complete plant configurations can be studied. EcosimPro’s flexibility lets engineers adapt the models as the ITER design evolves, supporting safety analysis, licensing and optimisation of tritium management strategies. |
| 2015 | Optimización en tiempo real de sistemas estacionarios en EcosimPro (Real Time Optimization of Steady-State Systems with EcosimPro) | Carlos Gómez Palacín, José Luis Pitarch, César de Prada. Dpto. Ingeniería de Sistemas y Automática, Escuela de Ingenierías Industriales, Universidad de Valladolid. | This paper demonstrates real‑time optimisation of steady‑state industrial processes by embedding optimisation algorithms into EcosimPro models. The process is represented with first‑principles components, and an online optimiser continuously adjusts set‑points to minimise operating costs while respecting constraints. Thanks to EcosimPro’s open interfaces and fast solvers, the same model can be used both for design studies and for real‑time optimisation, shortening the path from simulation to plant‑wide energy savings. |
| 2015 | Operación óptima en EcosimPro de estaciones de regulación y medida de la red de gas natural (Optimization of Operation with EcosimPro: Regulating and Measurement Stations for Natural Gas) | Mayko Rannany, Tania Rodríguez-Blanco, César de Prada. Dpto. Ingeniería de Sistemas y Automática, Escuela de Ingenierías Industriales, Universidad de Valladolid | The goal of this work is to optimise the operation of natural‑gas regulating and metering stations. EcosimPro is used to model the thermohydraulic behaviour of valves, heaters, filters and piping, and an optimisation layer is added to seek operating policies that minimise energy use and pressure losses. Using EcosimPro enables engineers to evaluate many demand and configuration scenarios virtually, providing clear guidelines for efficient, reliable operation of gas networks. |
| 2013 | A new plug-in for the creation of OPC servers based on EcosimPro simulation software | Jesús M. Zamarreño (1), Rogelio Mazaeda (1), José A. Caminero (1), Antonio J. Rivero (2), Juan C. Arroyo (2) (1) System Engineering and Automatic Control department, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain (2) Empresarios Agrupados, Madrid, Spain | This paper introduces a plug‑in that automatically turns EcosimPro models into OPC servers for real‑time data exchange with SCADA and DCS systems. By encapsulating the communication layer, the plug‑in lets engineers connect dynamic simulators to control rooms without custom coding. The approach leverages EcosimPro as a core simulation engine for soft‑sensors, operator‑training systems and advanced control, making integration with industrial automation infrastructure straightforward and cost‑effective. |
| 2013 | Programación de controlador predictivo en EcosimPro e implementación en planta de distribución de oxígeno (Programming predictive controllers with EcosimPro and in-plant implementation: Oxygen Distribution Plant) 2013 EcosimPro University Simulation Contest | D. Tejerina (1), R. Martí (1), D. Navia (2), C. de Prada(1) (1) Departamento de Ingeniería de Sistemas y Automática, Universidad de Valladolid, Spain (2) Departamento de Ingeniería Química y Ambiental, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Santiago, Chile. | The work describes the design of model‑based predictive controllers using EcosimPro and their deployment in a real oxygen distribution plant. A dynamic plant model is developed in EcosimPro and used to tune and test the predictive control algorithms before implementation on site. This workflow reduces commissioning time and risk, while EcosimPro remains a valuable offline tool to study plant changes and retune controllers when operating conditions evolve. |
| 2013 | Iterative predictive non-linear control in an evaporator to obtain bioethanol (ES) | Ipanaqué William (1), De Keyser Robain (2), Dutta Abhishek (2), Oliden José (1), Manrique José (1) (1) Universidad de Piura, Dpto. de Electrónica y Automática, Urb. San Eduardo, Piura, PERú (2) Department of Electrical Energy, Systems and Automation, Ghent University, 9000 Gent, BELGIUM | The study applies iterative non‑linear model‑predictive control to an evaporator used in bioethanol production. A dynamic evaporator model is created with EcosimPro and then used within the predictive control algorithm to compute optimal input trajectories. EcosimPro’s accurate yet computationally efficient models make it feasible to run iterative MPC, improving product quality and energy efficiency in complex thermal processes. |
| 2012 | Modelo en EcosimPro de Captador Solar Fresnel (Fresnel Lens Solar Concentrator) | J. M. Torres, A. J. Gallego, J. M. Escaño, C. Bordons. Dpto. de Ingeniería de Sistemas y Automática, Escuela Superior de Ingenieros, Universidad de Sevilla, Spain | This paper presents a dynamic model of a Fresnel solar concentrator built in EcosimPro. Optical concentration, receiver thermal dynamics and tracking systems are represented with reusable components that allow realistic simulation under varying irradiance and operating conditions. EcosimPro’s capability to couple solar collectors with downstream power or process units makes it a convenient platform for designing and optimising solar‑thermal installations. |
| 2012 | Example of cryogenic process simulation using EcosimPro: LHC beam screen cooling circuits | Benjamin Bradu, Enrique Blanco Viñuela, Philippe Gayet CERN Engineering Department, Switzerland | The work demonstrates how EcosimPro can be used to simulate the cryogenic beam‑screen cooling circuits of CERN’s Large Hadron Collider. Detailed models of valves, heat exchangers and cryolines are assembled into a system‑level representation that reproduces cooldown and operation. Using EcosimPro helps cryogenic engineers understand complex interactions, test control strategies and support upgrades to large‑scale cryogenic systems with reduced risk. |
| 2012 | Using structural decomposition methods to design gray-box models for fault diagnosis of complex industrial systems: a beet sugar factory case study | Belarmino Pulido (1), Jesus Maria Zamarreño (2), Alejandro Merino (3) and Anibal Bregon (1) (1) Computer Science Department, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain (2) System Engineering and Automatic Control Department, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain (3) Electromechanic Engineering Dept., University of Burgos, Burgos, Spain | This paper combines structural decomposition techniques with EcosimPro modelling to build gray‑box models suited for fault diagnosis in a beet sugar factory. The plant is partitioned into subsystems, each represented by EcosimPro components, and structural analysis guides sensor placement and residual design. EcosimPro’s modularity enables targeted refinement of key units while keeping the whole‑plant model manageable, resulting in effective diagnostic systems that can be transferred to real production sites. |
| 2012 | Mixed Integer Predictive Control of a Buck Boost Converter | Daniel Sarabia (1), Martín J. Pomar (2), Julio E. Normey-Rico (2), César de Prada (1) (1) Dpto. Systems Engineering and Automatic Control, University of Valladolid. Valladolid, SPAIN (2) Dpto. Systems and Automatic, Federal University of Santa Catarina. Florianópolis, SC, BRAZIL | The study develops a mixed‑integer model‑predictive controller for a DC–DC buck–boost converter, capable of handling switching decisions and constraints. A detailed converter model is built with EcosimPro and used both for controller design and for hardware‑in‑the‑loop validation. EcosimPro’s capacity to represent power‑electronics dynamics and interface with external solvers makes it a solid platform for advanced control research in power conversion. |
| 2011 | Modelado y control de sistemas industriales para la extracción de aceite (Modeling and Control of Industrial Systems for Olive Oil Extraction) | Maribel Mendez Vega, Juan Manuel Escaño, Fernando Dorado, Carlos Bordóns Universidad de Sevilla | This paper models the key stages of an olive‑oil extraction process and designs control strategies to improve product quality and energy usage. Dynamic models of mills, decanters and separators are created in EcosimPro and used to evaluate alternative control schemes in simulation. The EcosimPro‑based approach allows engineers to experiment with tuning and process changes without disturbing production, accelerating the adoption of modern control in traditional food industries. |
| 2010 | Simulación dinámica de un colector de H2 utilizando una librería dinámica (Dynamic Simulation Library of a H2 Network) | Mar Valbuena Barrenechea, Daniel Sarabia Ortiz, César de Prada Moraga Universidad de Valladolid | This work develops a dynamic simulation library for hydrogen distribution networks and applies it to the study of an H₂ collector. Implemented in EcosimPro, the library includes components for pipelines, compressors, valves and storage, enabling realistic simulations of pressure and flow transients. Using EcosimPro’s library mechanism, the same components can be reused in different hydrogen infrastructures, supporting design and operation of future hydrogen economies. |
| 2010 | Modeling and Simulation of a Sugar Crystalisation Unit with EcosimPro (Modelado y simulación de la unidad de cristalización de la industria azucarera con EcosimPro) | Alexander Rodríguez, Luís Felipe Acebes, César de Prada Universidad de Valladolid | The paper presents a detailed model of a sugar crystallisation unit, capturing the coupled heat‑ and mass‑transfer phenomena that govern crystal growth. The model is implemented in EcosimPro and calibrated against plant data, then used to study operating policies and control strategies. With EcosimPro, sugar producers can analyse set‑point changes and disturbances before applying them on‑line, improving product quality and reducing off‑spec batches. |
| 2010 | Estudio de la sensibilidad global y estimación de parámetros en un reactor SBR, con nitrificación desnitrificación, utilizando el modelo ASM1 (Global Sensitivity and Parameter Estimation for a SBR reactor using ASM1 model) | Luis Gómez Palacín, Alejandro Merino Gómez, César de Prada Moraga Universidad de Valladolid | This paper applies global sensitivity analysis and parameter‑estimation techniques to a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) model based on ASM1. The biological process is modelled in EcosimPro, where sensitivity indices and parameter fits are computed to identify influential variables and calibrate the model with plant data. EcosimPro’s flexibility allows researchers to combine advanced numerical tools with process models, leading to better‑tuned simulators for wastewater treatment optimisation. |
| 2010 | Helium Cryoplant Off-line Commissioning and Operator Training: Two Applications of the PROCOS simulation system at CERN | Marco Pezzetti, Benjamin Bradu, Philippe Gayet, Julien Vasseur CERN(European Centre for Nuclear Research), Switzerland | This work describes how the PROCOS simulation system—built using EcosimPro technology—is applied to off‑line commissioning and operator training for large helium cryoplants at CERN. Detailed cryogenic plant models run in real time and are connected to control systems to mimic field behaviour. Using an EcosimPro‑based simulator reduces commissioning risk, improves operator preparedness and provides a safe environment to rehearse rare or hazardous scenarios. |
| 2010 | Simulation and Control of a PV System connected to a Low Voltage Network | J. Salazar, F. Tadeo, C. Prada, L. Palacin University of Valladolid | The paper models a photovoltaic system connected to a low‑voltage grid and designs control strategies for maximum power tracking and grid support. PV panels, inverters and grid interface are represented in EcosimPro, allowing both steady‑state and transient behaviour to be studied. By hosting the complete system in a single simulation environment, EcosimPro helps engineers assess the impact of control policies and inverter settings on power quality and network stability. |
| 2009 | Integrated design and control using the dynamic simulation of a reverse osmosis plant (ES) 2009 EcosimPro University Simulation Contest | Universidad de Valladolid (SPAIN) | This paper uses dynamic simulation to integrate design and control of a reverse osmosis desalination plant. The plant is modelled in EcosimPro with components for membranes, pumps, valves and tanks, and the same model is used to design controllers and evaluate start‑up and shutdown sequences. EcosimPro’s equation‑based modelling allows rapid experimentation with process and control configurations, supporting both robust design and efficient operation. |
| 2009 | Simulación dinámica de un colector de H2 basada en el método de diferencias finitas (Dynamic Simulation for a H2 Network based upon the method of finite differences) | Universidad de Valladolid (SPAIN) | The work develops a finite‑difference‑based dynamic model of a hydrogen network and implements it in an EcosimPro‑style environment. By discretising the pipelines and solving the resulting equations, the simulator captures wave propagation and pressure dynamics with good accuracy. Using an EcosimPro‑compatible approach simplifies coupling the hydrogen network model with other process units or control systems for integrated studies. |
| 2008 | Una aplicación para el diagnóstico energético de plantas azucareras (Energy Efficiency Diagnostic of Sugar Plants) | Universidad de Valladolid (SPAIN), Universidad de Salamanca (SPAIN) | This paper presents a methodology and software tool for performing energy diagnostics in sugar factories. Process units are modelled with EcosimPro and assembled into a plant‑wide simulator that can compute key performance indicators, identify losses and evaluate improvement measures. EcosimPro’s flexibility enables quick adaptation of the model to different factories, helping engineers prioritise retrofits and operational changes that yield the greatest energy savings. |
| 2008 | Gestión óptima de redes de hidrógeno de refinerías (Optimized Management of Refinery Hydrogen Systems) | Universidad de Valladolid (SPAIN), INTEC (ARGENTINA), Petronor-Repsol YPF (SPAIN) | The work addresses optimal management of refinery hydrogen networks, where producers, consumers and storage must be balanced efficiently. EcosimPro is used to build a dynamic model of the hydrogen network that captures flows, pressures and compositions, and this model is coupled with optimisation algorithms to determine best operating strategies. The EcosimPro‑based solution helps refineries reduce hydrogen losses, avoid constraints and operate closer to economic optimum without compromising safety. |
| 2008 | Librería dinámica de plantas de desalinización de ósmosis inversa (Dynamic Lbrary for Reverse Osmosis Desalination Plants) | Universidad de Valladolid (SPAIN) | This paper describes a dynamic component library for reverse osmosis desalination plants developed in EcosimPro. The library includes flexible models of membranes, pumps, valves and tanks that can be combined to represent different plant configurations and scales. By encapsulating process knowledge into reusable EcosimPro components, designers and operators can quickly build simulators for design studies, control testing and operator training in the desalination sector. |
| 2007 | Modelado del nuevo Sistema de Control de Agua de Alimentación de la Central Nuclear de Almaraz mediante EcosimPro (Modeling the new Feedwater System control of Almaraz NPP with EcosimPro) | E.Huélamo, E.Casado (Empresarios Agrupados), J.A.Carrasco (Central Nuclear de Almaraz), Spain | The paper models the new feedwater control system of the Almaraz nuclear power plant using EcosimPro. A detailed dynamic model of pumps, valves, controllers and steam generators is created to evaluate control logic and tuning before deployment. Using EcosimPro reduces the risk associated with modifying safety‑critical systems and provides a high‑fidelity platform for operator training and future control upgrades. |
| 2007 | ESBWR. Diseño del Condensador y Bypass. Modo de Operación en Isla (ESBWR: Condenser and Bypass Design) | M.A.Cristóbal, J.Soriano (Empresarios Agrupados), Spain | This paper studies the design and operation of the condenser and bypass systems of an ESBWR nuclear plant in island‑operation mode. Dynamic models are built in an EcosimPro‑style environment to simulate transients and assess whether the condenser and bypass can safely handle load rejection and isolation events. The simulation results support design decisions and provide confidence that the plant can withstand demanding off‑normal scenarios. |
| 2007 | Modelado y Simulación de Centrales Hidráulicas (Modeling and Simulation of Hydroelectric Power Plants) | Juan Garrido (Universidad de Córdoba), Ángel Zafra (Endesa Generacion UPH Sur), and Francisco Vázquez (Universidad de Córdoba), SPAIN | The work develops dynamic models of hydroelectric plants, including reservoirs, penstocks, turbines and generators, for analysis and control design. Using a modelling environment compatible with EcosimPro, the authors create reusable components that can represent different hydro schemes. Such models help utilities study transient behaviour, design control strategies and test operating policies without impacting real power systems. |
| 2007 | A Dynamic Simulator for Large-Scale Cryogenic Systems | Bradu, Gayet, Niculescu, CERN(European Centre for Nuclear Research), Switzerland | This paper introduces a dynamic simulator for large cryogenic installations such as those at CERN, based on the PROCOS/EcosimPro technology. The simulator models compressors, turbines, heat exchangers and valve networks and can run in real time for operator training and engineering studies. By leveraging EcosimPro’s robust solvers and modularity, the simulator offers a reliable environment to rehearse complex cryogenic operations and to test control strategies before implementation. |
| 2007 | Modelado y Simulación de la planta de producción de aire para tratamiento biológico en E.D.A.R. La Golondrina (Córdoba) (Modeling and Simulation of Air Production Systems for Biological Treatment at a Water Treatment Plant) | Ramón Soldado (Empresa Municipal de Aguas de Córdoba) and Francisco Vázquez (Universidad de Córdoba), Spain | The study models the compressed‑air production system used in the biological treatment stage of a wastewater treatment plant. Components for compressors, air receivers and control systems are developed in EcosimPro and linked to the oxygen demand of the biological process. EcosimPro allows operators to analyse energy consumption, evaluate control strategies and size equipment more accurately, leading to more efficient wastewater treatment operations. |
| 2006 | Entorno eficiente de simulación dinámica para la operación de plantas de procesamiento de alimentos (Efficient Environment for Dynamic Simulation for the Operation of Food Processing) | Carlos Vilas, Míriam R. García, Marcos Villafín, Julio R. Banga, and Antonio A. Alonso, IIM-CSIC Vigo, Spain | This paper presents a dynamic‑simulation environment for food processing plants built around EcosimPro. Typical unit operations—heat exchangers, evaporators, dryers and tanks—are modelled as reusable components that can be assembled into full plant models. The EcosimPro‑based environment enables engineers to test operating strategies, analyse disturbances and evaluate control improvements without risking product quality or production continuity. |
| 2006 | Controlador predictivo explícito de un evaporador (Explicit Predictive Controller of an Evaporator) | Viviana Miranda and César de Prada, Univ. Valladolid, Spain | The work designs and tests an explicit model‑predictive controller for an industrial evaporator. A dynamic model of the evaporator is implemented in EcosimPro and used to derive and validate the explicit control law before on‑plant application. By using EcosimPro as a virtual testbed, engineers can tune the predictive controller and assess constraint handling in many scenarios, minimising commissioning time and improving evaporator performance. |
| 2005 | Entorno de ayuda a la operación de una planta piloto de laborarorio (Assistance Environment for the Operation of a Laboratory Pilot Plan) | Luis Felipe Acebes, Univ. de Valladolid, Spain | This paper describes an assistance environment that supports the operation of a laboratory pilot plant by combining real‑time data with simulation. EcosimPro models of the pilot plant provide predictions, what‑if analysis and operator guidance through a user‑friendly interface. The approach illustrates how EcosimPro can be used not only for off‑line studies but also as an on‑line decision‑support tool, enhancing safety and learning in experimental facilities. |
| 2005 | Modelado y simulación del circuito generador de impulsos para el ensayo de transformadores (Modeling and simulation of impulse generator for electric transformer tests) 2005 EcosimPro University Simulation Contest | Francisco Carmona, Jorge E. Jiménez, and Francisco Vázquez, Univ. de Córdoba | The paper models the complete impulse-test circuit for power transformers, including the Marx-type generator, transmission line, transformer equivalent, shunt resistor and capacitive voltage divider. After analysing the optimisation problem mathematically, the authors adopt a numerical strategy that links EcosimPro simulations with external optimisation algorithms. EcosimPro is used to build an object-oriented DAE model of the electrical network and to generate efficient C++ simulation code that can be called repeatedly by the optimiser. By varying the circuit parameters within EcosimPro-based simulations, the methodology automatically finds configurations whose output waveform meets IEC/IEEE front and tail tolerances. |
| 2005 | Simulación de la extracción de petróleo y gas natural mediante inyección continua de gas (Simulation of Petroleum and Natural Gas Extraction by means of continuum gas injection) | Alejandro Cabero Barba, Spain | This work simulates gas-lift oil and gas production using a detailed dynamic model of the compressor–tank, injection valve and vertical gas-injection tubing. Mass, momentum and energy balances lead to partial differential equations that are discretised by the method of lines and by orthogonal collocation with different numbers of nodes. The resulting systems of ordinary differential equations are implemented as EcosimPro components, allowing flexible experiments with boundary conditions and operating parameters. EcosimPro simulations provide pressure, temperature, density, velocity and flow-rate profiles along the well and show how the system responds to changes at the injection and production ends. |
| 2004 | Desarrollo de una biblioteca de dispositivos eléctricos no lineales (Development of a library for non-linear electric devices) | Francisco Javier Torres Ramírez, ETSIT-UPM | Creates a modular EcosimPro library for nonlinear circuit simulation using algebraic-differential equations (DAEs). Defines standard ports and abstract 2-/4-terminal components so users can plug in arbitrary constitutive relations. Implements common nonlinear elements and validates with examples (e.g., tunnel diode, Josephson junction). |
| 2004 | Simulación de un motor de corriente continua con EcosimPro (Simulation of a DC Motor with EcosimPro) | Raúl Gutiérrez Perucho, ETSII-UPM | The paper develops an EcosimPro model of a separately excited DC motor using the ELECTRIC library and custom EL components. Armature and field circuits, mechanical shaft and load are encapsulated in a reusable motor component that can be wired into different study cases. EcosimPro is used to simulate normal operation, starting with multi step resistors and an open circuit test with a motor–generator set. These virtual experiments illustrate how EcosimPro can support "virtual laboratories" for teaching electrical machine dynamics without a physical lab. |
| 2004 | Process libraries design with EcosimPro (ES). 2004 EcosimPro University Simulation Contest. | Mazaeda Rogelio, Alejandro Merino, and Almudena Rueda, Univ. de Valladolid, Spain | This article explains how a reusable process model library for the sugar industry was built using EcosimPro’s object oriented language. Libraries are organised for physico chemical properties, ports and generic unit operations such as pipes, valves, pumps and sugar specific equipment. Special EcosimPro features like SET_OF, EXPL and INVERSE are used to define robust connectors, avoid algebraic loops and handle alternative equation forms. EcosimPro thus enables generic, numerically stable component libraries that can be reconfigured into many plant models, including training simulators. |
| 2004 | Reactor bioquímico con recirculación de microorganismos a través de un decantador (Biochemical Reactor with microorganism recirculation through a decanter) | Javier Nieto Maestre, ETSII-UPM, Madrid, Spain | This work models a continuous stirred-tank bioreactor with a solids-settling tank that recycles microorganisms and withdraws a purge stream. Substrate consumption follows a Michaelis–Menten rate, with yield coefficients for biomass and product formation and first-order microorganism decay. A CHEMICAL library is created in EcosimPro with a Chem port and components for the bioreactor, decanter and purge splitter, all expressed via mass balances and efficiency relations. Using EcosimPro’s graphical tools and experiments, the author simulates different recycle and purge flow rates to study their impact on biomass, substrate and product concentrations in the reactor and effluents. |
| 2003 | Modelado y simulación de la Central Hidroeléctrica de Navallana (Modelling and Simulation of Navallana Hydroelectric Power Plant) | Juan R. Cabello, Francisco Vázquez, and José Agüera, Univ. Córdoba (SPAIN) | The work models the San Rafael de Navallana hydroelectric plant using EcosimPro and a library of hydraulic, mechanical and control components. Dedicated EcosimPro components represent the reservoir, tunnels, pipes, valves, a Francis turbine, synchronous generator and PLC like automation. Geometric and performance data are encoded via tables and correlations so the model can predict levels, flows, pressures, losses, efficiency and power. Simulations of start up transients and steady state operating cases show how EcosimPro can analyse plant behaviour, evaluate control sequences and study different discharge scenarios. |
| 2003 | Librerías de EcosimPro para sistemas hidráulicos y casos de aplicación (EcosimPro Libraries for Hydraulic Systems and Applications) | Raúl Avezuela, Eusebio Huélamo, and Ramón Pérez, EA Internacional, Madrid | The work presents PIPELIQTRAN, an EcosimPro component library for simulating hydraulic transients such as water hammer in industrial piping systems. Pipes, valves, pumps, tanks, vacuum breakers, waterboxes and other elements are modelled with one-dimensional mass, momentum and energy balances, including wave propagation, cavitation and variable sound speed. Using these EcosimPro components, the authors build modular models to study examples like instantaneous valve closure, pump trip and a power-plant circulating-water system. Results from EcosimPro closely match published solutions and a specialised code (THICOM), demonstrating the library’s suitability for analysing pressure surges and designing protection measures. |
| 2003 | Simulating fuel cells with EcosimPro (ES) | Eusebio Huélamo, EA Internacional, Madrid, Spain | This article describes EcosimPro models for two fuel-cell systems: an alkaline fuel-cell stack for the European Space Agency and a molten-carbonate fuel-cell experimental plant. Specialised EcosimPro components are programmed for fuel-cell stacks, membrane separators, heaters, blowers and the anode, cathode and exhaust loops, including electrochemical, hydraulic and thermal behaviour. The alkaline stack model supports dynamic studies of start-up, load changes, water management and temperature control, while the plant model reproduces all main equipment and control systems. EcosimPro thus provides an integrated environment to test operating strategies, tune controllers and explore ‘what-if’ scenarios without risking expensive fuel-cell hardware. |
| 2003 | Modelling and analysis with EcosimPro of a nuclear power plant heat sink based on a cooling pond (ES) | Angel Argüello, Eusebio Huélamo, and Alfonso Méndez-Vigo, EA Internacional, Madrid, Spain | The paper models the ultimate heat sink of a nuclear power plant: a large cooling pond that rejects condenser heat to the atmosphere by natural circulation. A reservoir component and associated equipment are built using EcosimPro’s THERMAL_BALANCE library, representing heat exchanges with the air, solar radiation, evaporation and plant water flows. The EcosimPro model is validated against several years of measured pond temperatures under real meteorological and operating data. It is then used to evaluate alternative operating modes and design options, such as adding natural-draft cooling towers, and to estimate the resulting gains in condenser temperature and plant electrical output. |
| 2003 | Study of steam export transients in a combined cycle power plant (ES) | Alfonso Junquera, and Almudena Travesí, EA Internacional, Madrid, Spain | This work analyses transients in a cogenerating combined-cycle plant that exports steam to nearby industry while backed up by auxiliary boilers. Using EcosimPro, the authors build a detailed dynamic model of the export system, including steam extraction headers, control valves, pipes, attemperators, non-return valves and auxiliary boilers with their control logic. The EcosimPro model is then used to simulate trips, load rejections and demand changes, tracking flows and pressures throughout the network. From these simulations they derive suitable control parameters and minimum auxiliary-boiler loads that guarantee continuous steam supply within specified pressure and temperature limits. |
| 2003 | Modelado en EcosimPro de una planta piloto de producción (Modelling of a Production Pilot Plant with EcosimPro) | Romualdo Moreno, Univ. Autónoma de Barcelona, Spain | The paper models the ultimate heat sink of a nuclear power plant: a large cooling pond that rejects condenser heat to the atmosphere by natural circulation. A reservoir component and associated equipment are built using EcosimPro’s THERMAL_BALANCE library, representing heat exchanges with the air, solar radiation, evaporation and plant water flows. The EcosimPro model is validated against several years of measured pond temperatures under real meteorological and operating data. It is then used to evaluate alternative operating modes and design options, such as adding natural-draft cooling towers, and to estimate the resulting gains in condenser temperature and plant electrical output. |
| 2003 | Full scope simulator in EcosimPro for training of sugar mill control room operators (ES) | Alejandro Merino, Susana Pelayo, Raúl Alves, Felipe Acebes, César de Prada, and Almudena Rueda, Univ. de Valladolid, Spain | This article presents a full scope training simulator that emulates the control room of a sugar mill. Process sections such as diffusion, purification, evaporation, crystallisation, boilers, dryer and liquor storage are modelled in EcosimPro using reusable libraries of unit operation and sugar product components whose C++ classes are embedded into the real time simulator. An OPC interface connects the EcosimPro based process simulations with a plant like SCADA/DCS environment used by operators and instructors. The simulator supports realistic training scenarios with faults and boundary condition changes, improving operator skills and process understanding. |
| 2003 | Modelling and simulation of a pulp dryer (ES) | Alejandro Merino, Univ. de Valladolid, Spain | The paper develops a distributed parameter model of a sugar beet pulp rotary dryer, starting from mass and energy balances in partial differential form. After spatial discretisation and simplification, the resulting set of ordinary differential equations is implemented and simulated in EcosimPro to study the dryer’s dynamic behaviour. The simulations reproduce steady state conditions consistent with measurements from a real sugar mill and provide plausible dynamics for flows, temperatures and moisture profiles. EcosimPro thus offers a flexible framework for analysing the effects of changes such as gas temperature disturbances or drum speed variations. |
| 2003 | Dynamic modelling with EcosimPro of liquor filters in the sugar industry (ES) | Susana Pelayo, Univ. de Valladolid, Spain | This work models the discontinuous carbonated liquor filters of a sugar factory using EcosimPro. Each physical element (mesh, cones, blowing tank and valves) is represented as an individual component, then assembled into a full filter model driven by batch cycle timing signals. The EcosimPro model captures mass and composition balances, cake growth and sludge discharge, allowing analysis of flows, densities and pressures during the cycle. The component based approach makes it easy to reuse and adapt the filter model by simply changing geometry and operating conditions. |
| 2003 | Virtual interface for developing SCADA tools for chemical processes (ES) | Luis Taboada, Marcos Villafín, Antonio A. Alonso, and Julio R. Banga, Instituto Investigaciones Marinas, CSIC-Vigo, Spain | The paper shows how EcosimPro experiments can act as the core "virtual plant" for SCADA systems in chemical processes. A dynamic model of two stirred tanks with recirculation is implemented in EcosimPro and compiled as an executable that runs in real time. Using the EcoViewer ActiveX control, Visual Basic interfaces read and write EcosimPro variables while a database synchronises a plant server and remote clients. EcosimPro therefore supplies both the process simulation and the connectivity needed to build customised monitoring and control applications. |
| 2003 | Supervision of multivariable predictive controllers (ES) | Rachid Aref and César de Prada, Univ. Valladolid, Spain | This work studies performance monitoring of multivariable model based predictive controllers using several cost function benchmarks. A non linear chemical reactor and its linear model are both implemented in EcosimPro, including the predictive controller and supervision logic via C++ functions. EcosimPro simulations generate closed loop data under set point changes, disturbances and model mismatch to compute the design, real and modified performance indices. The results show how EcosimPro can be used to test supervision methods and to detect degradation in controller behaviour under realistic operating scenarios. |
| 2002 | Non-linear predictive control applied to distillation columns (ES) | Smaranda Cristea and Almudena Rueda, Centro Tecnología Azucarera de Valladolid, Spain | The paper compares full non-linear model predictive control with an iterative linearisation (non-linear EPSAC) applied to an ethanol distillation column. A detailed non-linear dynamic model of an 82-plate neutral alcohol column is formulated and implemented in EcosimPro, including mass, energy and equilibrium relations. This EcosimPro model supplies the internal predictions required by both control strategies and is used to compute impulse responses for the linearised controller. Simulations in EcosimPro show that EPSAC achieves similar control performance to NMPC with substantially lower computation time for the same column model. |
| 2001 | Construction of a library of electrical machines using EcosimPro (ES) | Juan Carlos Correa (Univ. Nacional de San Juan, Argentina), Cesar de Prada (Dept. de Ingeniería de Sistemas y Automática, Univ. de Valladolid, Spain) | The paper describes the development in EcosimPro of a reusable library of electrical machines, power electronics and control blocks for the dynamic simulation of drive systems. EcosimPro’s object oriented language is used to model each component independently and then interconnect them via ports to build complex electromechanical systems. An induction motor with field oriented control is implemented as an example that combines the machine model with inverter, sensors and control logic. The EcosimPro generated C++ code can be reused as standalone executables for analysing and designing electrical machine control systems. |
| 2001 | Heat balance studies and operation optimisation with Ecosimpro (ES) | Alfonso Méndez-Vigo, and Eusebio Huélamo, EA Internacional, Madrid, Spain | The THERMAL_BALANCE library in EcosimPro is introduced for heat‑balance analysis of thermal, nuclear and combined‑cycle power plants. It provides modular components for boilers, turbines, condensers, feedwater heaters, pumps, cooling towers and ducts using water and gas ports with ASME properties. The library is applied to model an 800 MW combined‑cycle plant and a spent‑fuel pool cooling system to evaluate performance and operating strategies. EcosimPro’s DAE solver and object‑oriented environment make it easy to reuse and extend these plant models for optimisation and future dynamic studies. |
| 2001 | Dynamic modelling of an evaporator station in the sugar industry (ES) | Esther Simón, Univ. de Valladolid, Spain | A dynamic model is developed for a multi‑effect evaporator station that concentrates sugar juice, including mass and energy balances in each effect. An EcosimPro library defines ports for juice and vapour and components for Robert and falling‑film evaporators, preheaters, expansion balls and the condenser. These components are assembled into a realistic eight‑evaporator, five‑effect station with basic control loops for levels and flows. EcosimPro simulations reproduce industrial transients and support design, control tuning and operation studies of sugar‑factory evaporation plants. |
| 2001 | Modelling and simulation of distributed processes: diffusers in the sugar industry (ES) | Alejandro Merino, Univ. de Valladolid, Spain | Models a countercurrent beet-sugar diffuser in EcosimPro by discretising a distributed (PDE) process into many cells. Applies simplified mass/energy-transfer balances for sugar, non-sugars and water, including factor functions (e.g., temperature). Shows that the discretised model predicts outlet compositions and transient responses to disturbances (water flow, inlet temperature). |
| 2001 | Modelling and simulation of batch processes: crystallisation section of a sugar factory (ES) | Anabel García, Univ. de Valladolid, Spain | Uses EcosimPro to build a dynamic model of the sugar-house crystallisation train and test control strategies. Captures vacuum-pan batch stages (charge, concentration, seeding/boiling, discharge) with key mass/energy balances. Links pans, centrifugals and crystallisers into a reusable unit-operation library for plant-level simulation. |
| 2001 | Modelling and simulation of an industrial steam boiler with EcosimPro (ES) | Susana Pelayo, Univ. de Valladolid, Spain | This paper describes the modelling, simulation and supervision of a pilot liquid production plant with evaporation, mixing and bottling stages. A component library is first developed in EcosimPro so that the whole plant and its control loops can be assembled and simulated under different production strategies. LabVIEW is then used to build a SCADA type interface that communicates with the EcosimPro experiment via TCP/IP, allowing real time monitoring and manipulation of set points, controller tunings and valve positions. The combined EcosimPro–LabVIEW system provides a safe environment for testing dynamic production management algorithms before their application in the real plant. |
| 2001 | Dynamic modelling and simulation with EcosimPro of an ethanol distillation column in the sugar industry (ES) | Almudena Rueda, Univ. de Valladolid, Spain | A dynamic model is developed for a multi‑effect evaporator station that concentrates sugar juice, including mass and energy balances in each effect. An EcosimPro library defines ports for juice and vapour and components for Robert and falling‑film evaporators, preheaters, expansion balls and the condenser. These components are assembled into a realistic eight‑evaporator, five‑effect station with basic control loops for levels and flows. EcosimPro simulations reproduce industrial transients and support design, control tuning and operation studies of sugar‑factory evaporation plants. |
| 2001 | Simulation of processes with highly concentrated solutions: an EcosimPro library for environmental applications (ES) | Ana Mejías, and Jesús Palma, Técnicas Reunidas I+D, Madrid, Spain | The paper presents an EcosimPro component library for simulating zinc recovery from industrial and mining wastes using leaching, solvent extraction and electrolysis. Specialised ports and units model mass balances and reaction kinetics for liquid, solid, pulp and organic phases in sulphate media. By combining these components, users can build complete flowsheets for preliminary treatment, SX circuits and overall zinc production. EcosimPro provides a flexible dynamic simulator for reconfiguring process layouts, running what‑if environmental studies and training plant operators. |
| 2001 | Modelado con EcosimPro de la vibración multidireccional de olivos como sistema de desprendimiento de la aceituna | Gil Sierra J., Barreiro P., and Ortiz-Cañavate J. (Dpto. Ingeniería Rural, ETSIA-UPM, Madrid, Spain) and Pérez-Vara R. (EA Internacional, Madrid, Spain) | This work models trunk shakers with two eccentric masses rotating at different speeds to generate multi‑directional vibrations in olive trees. Forces and trajectories are computed to analyse star‑shaped and petal‑shaped vibration patterns and their effect on fruit detachment. Dedicated EcosimPro components (Motor, Eccentric, Vibrator) are created and connected through mechanical ports to represent the real device. EcosimPro is then used to simulate the system and identify vibration settings that maximise olive and industrial‑fruit removal. |
| 2001 | Modelling mealiness dynamics in apples with EcosimPro as related to texture parameters (ES) | Barreiro P., and Ruiz-Altisent M. (Dpto. Ingeniería Rural, ETSIA-UPM, Madrid, Spain) and Verlinden B., De Smedt V., and Nicolai B. (Lab. of Postharvest Techn. Catholic Univ., Leuven, Belgium) | The paper builds a mechanistic model linking respiration, starch breakdown and water transport to sensory attributes such as crispness, hardness and juiciness in apples. State variables for sugars, middle lamella integrity and intra‑/intercellular water are calibrated against mealiness measurements for different cultivars. EcosimPro is used to implement and integrate the system of differential equations and to run numerical simulations. These EcosimPro simulations help study how harvest date, storage temperature, humidity and respiration rate affect mealiness development over time. |
