The research of the Process Synthesis and Dynamics group is concerned with the synthesis, analysis and control of complex systems. It provides and develops methods and tools for computer-aided modeling and simulation, nonlinear system analysis, process design and process control including state estimation and optimal experimental design. Traditionally, the main field of application are chemical processes and fuel cell systems. Besides, there is a growing interest in biological systems, where we also see a large potential for our methods and tools. A condensed overview with current fields of application is given in Fig.1. A more detailed description of the projects can be obtained from the project list.

Figure 1 Overview of the research activities of the process synthesis and dynamics group.

The PSD group closely cooperates with the chair for Automation/Modeling at the Otto-von-Guericke University. Both groups are headed by Achim Kienle, who holds a professorial position at the university and is an external scientific member of the MPI. The research of the PSD group is further connected to most of the other groups at the MPI. With its expertise in dynamics and process control it helps to bridge the gap between physico-chemical fundamentals and process engineering on the one hand and systems and control theory on the other hand. Together with the SBI group it develops the modeling and simulation software ProMoT/Diva (DIANA) and supports its application within the other research groups.

Figure 2 The Process Synthesis and Process Dynamics Group