Application of Multi-Objective Optimisation to Process Measurement System Design

Multi-objective optimisation (MOO) has been used with an equation solver data reconciliation software to develop a tool for sensor system design based on modifying the sensitivity matrix of a simulated process. MOO enables searching for the best tradeoff between two conflicting objectives: the cost of the system and the precision of key performance indicators (KPI) (variables that have to be measured or calculated). This methodology has been applied to design the sensor system of a two stage experimental air-water heat pump. Proper knowledge of modelling equations and constants helps to improve the estimation of the precision of variables, and lowers the cost of the system. Compared to single objective optimisation, the MOO strategy increases the number of solutions, yet the precision function still relates to different objectives for each KPI, and its formulation is shown to have an impact on the trade-off obtained.