Virtual Control of a Double Effect Evaporator for Teaching-Learning Processes

This article presents the control and virtualisation of a double effect evaporator plant oriented to teaching-learning processes. A virtual process with similar characteristics to a real one is implemented using CAD tools and the Unity 3D graphic engine, with the aim of simulating the behaviour of an industrial process, specifically, a double effect evaporator; this allows the behaviour of the process to be evaluated and control manoeuvres to be implemented without putting the safety of the operator or the plant at risk. The result is an interactive and immersive virtual environment between the user and the industrial process. The dynamic modelling of the double effect evaporator is incorporated in the virtual environment, so that the virtual animation is similar to a real process. © 2021, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.