Application of virtual commissioning technology in a steel making industry

In this paper, development of a virtual factory for steel making plants is discussed. Among various applications of virtual factories, we are focused on virtual commissioning. To reduce construction time and cost, control systems need to be test before installation. 3D shape models from 3D CAD are simplified to reduce the size and are used to visualize the behaviors of steel making plants. Virtual sensors and actuators with 3D shape and behavior models are connected to PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) to verify how control systems interact with mechanical facilities. The configuration of virtual commissioning systems is designed and a prototype is implemented for feasibility test in a steel making process. Also the performance for a verification of control systems is evaluated.