PAROC—An integrated framework and software platform for the optimisation and advanced model-based control of process systems

•Framework and software platform for design, operational optimisation and control.•Multiparametric programming and explicit model predictive control frame-work.•Model approximation and moving horizon estimation techniques.•Combined heat and power energy system application.•Biopharmaceutical periodic separation system application.

In this paper we present the main foundations and features of an integrated framework and software platform that enables the use of model-based tools in design, operational optimisation and advanced control studies. A step-wise procedure is outlined involving (i) the development of a high-fidelity dynamic model, and its validation and model analysis, (ii) a model approximation step, including system identification, model reduction and global sensitivity analysis, (iii) a receding horizon modelling step for model-predictive control (MPC) and reactive scheduling, (iv) a suite of multi-parametric programming techniques for optimisation under uncertainty, explicit/multi-parametric MPC and state-estimation and (v) an ‘in-silico’ validation step for the derived optimisation, control and/or scheduling strategies to be analysed within the original high-fidelity model. The proposed software platform, PAROC, is also introduced and demonstrated in three different classes of process systems engineering applications; a combined heat and power energy system, a distillation column and a periodic purification process for biopharmaceuticals.