Evaluation of optimization solvers on programmable logic controller

Programmable logic controller (PLC) is a reliable platform for regulatory control in industrial environment. Capability of PLC as an automation solution platform is getting enhanced over the years. Advancements in PLC capability open up possibility of deploying advanced control and optimization solutions on PLC. Optimization solver is primary building block of the advanced automation solutions; feasibility of deploying open source optimization solvers on PLC is uncertain because of platform related constraints. This work evaluates feasibility of deploying open source optimization solvers on PLC and highlights deployment challenges for PLC platform. Optimization complexity is varied using widely used generalized test functions to assess limitations of PLC platform. A realistic case study of parallel compressor train load allocation optimization is presented to validate the analysis findings and discuss a practical application of optimization on PLC platform.