Dynamic set point optimization (DSO) and advanced process control (APC) are both techniques used in process control to improve the performance of industrial processes. However, they differ in their specific goals and methods.
DSO is a technique that adjusts the set points of a process in real-time to optimize a particular performance objective, such as maximizing production or minimizing energy consumption. The set points are the desired values for the process variables, such as temperature or pressure, that the control system tries to maintain by adjusting the inputs to the process.
DSO algorithms use mathematical models of the process and optimization techniques to calculate the best set points for the current operating conditions. The set points are adjusted periodically to account for changes in the process or the environment, such as changes in feedstock composition or weather conditions.
APC, on the other hand, is a more general term that refers to a suite of techniques used to improve the control and performance of industrial processes. APC encompasses a range of methods, including model-based control, multivariable control, and adaptive control.
APC techniques use advanced mathematical models of the process to predict its behavior and optimize the control strategy. These models can be used to predict the effects of changes in operating conditions, and to optimize the control strategy accordingly.
In summary, DSO is a specific application of optimization techniques to adjust the set points of a process in real-time, while APC encompasses a broader range of techniques that use mathematical models to optimize the control strategy of a process.
