Meeting the challenge of complexity

Abstract

Power plants deploy sophisticated problem solving "agents" in a hierarchy to control and optimize their operations. The benefits obtained depend upon the collective ability of the agents to manage the complexity inherent in the domain. Complexity here is typically due to large decision space, complicated math, dynamic behavior, and hierarchy of control. Design is crucial to enhance cooperative power. In the context of a control hierarchy, design cannot exclusively be a control loop design task. Although control loop design methods are required, they are not enough. Designers must supplement these techniques with those that lie outside the control loop design view. Multiple perspectives help designers identify the "fault-lines" in a hierarchy and develop effective measures to keep the hierarchy together. Ideas concerning work and organization are presented here. These concepts along with those for control loop design strengthen the effort to meet the challenge of complexity. Copyright 2004 by ISA - The Instrumentation, Systems and Automation Society.