There are various types of virtual DCS between fully excited DCs and fully simulated DCS. Due to the fact that DCS is mainly composed of Distributed Process Unit (DPU) and Operator Station Human Machine Interface (HMI), there are corresponding classifications of “virtual DPU” and “virtual HMI”. Virtual DPUs, virtual HMTs, and various permutations and combinations of some virtual components constitute the classification of virtual DCS. A detailed classification of virtual DCS helps to unify concepts, clarify planning and application development, and is essential for research and engineering practice. The categories listed here can be said to belong to the scope of virtual DCS, except for (1) and (8). (1) Fully incentivized DCS – The number of DPUs and operating software, as well as the number of HMI and operating software, are completely consistent with the real DCS, and only interface software needs to be developed for the connection of the process model. At present, most simulation systems used abroad and simulation systems for large-scale units in China use this type of fully realistic technology to achieve solutions. (2) Minimal Configuration DPU+Real HMI – Centralize the originally dispersed DPU software to run on a single DPU, with the DPU hardware in the minimum excitation configuration. The DPU software needs to undergo some virtual modifications, develop real-time data sharing interface software, and use real HMI to provide complete fidelity for operator operation training. (3) Minimal configuration DPU+simulation HMI – Similarly, DPU hardware adopts minimum excitation configuration and DPU software virtual transformation, but HMI is developed using third-party human-machine interface configuration tools, implemented on open computer software and network platforms, with complete functional fidelity for online use by management and maintenance personnel.
(4) Virtual DPU+Real HMI – In order to avoid complex DPU development of process model interface software, while obtaining rich reproduction of DCS functions and high fidelity, this type of virtual solution can be adopted. (5) Virtual DPU+Virtual HMI – This is a complete type of virtual DCS. Whether DPU or HMI, its virtual software is obtained through intelligent compilation and conversion of DCS download files. This is an ideal technical solution to save investment, shorten development cycles, achieve the highest fidelity, and maximize application functionality.
(6) Virtual DPU+Simulation HMI – In the case where HMI software cannot achieve intelligent compilation and conversion, third-party human-machine interface configuration tools are used for development, and HMI is transferred to open computer software and network platforms for implementation. For DPU, virtual methods are used, which is a very practical technical solution for personnel training and online detection and diagnosis. (7) Configuration diagram virtual DPU+simulation HMI – software such as DPU and HMI cannot achieve intelligent compilation and conversion. The method to achieve virtualization is to simulate the configuration diagram software and develop a set of graphical configuration software on an open computer software and network platform that is 10% similar in appearance and operation mode to the real DCS. System personnel or maintenance personnel can perform synchronous configuration and modification of the real DPU and virtual DPU, The configuration diagram virtual DPU generation software can output virtual programs and connect with the HMI of the process model to achieve virtual DCS power sharing. (8) Full simulation DCS – This is the technical solution commonly used in domestic personnel training and simulation systems. Various types of virtual DCS are classified between fully excited DCS and fully simulated DCS, and their fidelity, application functionality, and investment saving indicators conform to the distribution relationship shown in Figure 2. Now, virtual DCS has shown relative comprehensive advantages due to its fidelity close to excitation DCS, application functions close to simulation DCS, and the most cost-effective investment.