What is involved in the case of iPCOIN is a visual programming tool that our team has developed for the development and optimisation of control systems for non-linear processes, such as occur in the case of biogas or wastewater treatment plants. iPCOIN thereby combines computational intelligence methods (fuzzy logic, artificial neural networks) with state controllers and signal processing. iPCOIN has been in use at district wastewater treatment plants for several years now and has proved itself there due to its high degree of flexibility and robust functionality.
Another advantage of the software system is the possibility of remote operation which was achieved through the separation of data processing and user interface using a server / client model. In this case, data processing, which is closely matched to the process, occurs on the iPCOIN server which forms the core of the system. The iPCOIN client represents the user interface, using which the user can hook himself up to the server locally or via a network.
The development of a control project on the iPCOIN client occurs graphically via operational building blocks which can be added using the „drag&drop“ function. The configuration of the data stream thereby takes place by linking up the individual operational building blocks. This graphic configuration of the data stream allows the control system to be handled intuitively.
Through the use of modern communications interfaces such as OPC, iPCOIN offers a rapid and flexible link to existing automation components.
