Chapter 14 - Metamodeling of Hydrogen Supply Chains: A Programmable Structure Based Representation

Abstract

This chapter aims to introduce an unconventional modeling and simulation framework for the experts of the rapidly, but uncertainly developing, Hydrogen Supply Chains. Besides the well-developed mathematical programming-based optimization methods, the design and operation of these large-scale, long-term processes might optionally require easily extensible, generic dynamic simulation. Programmable Structure of process models can be generated from the description of a (optionally geographically determined and multiscale) process network and from two general functional metaprototypes. The case-specific, actual functional prototypes are copied from the metaprototypes, and they are associated with locally executable declarative programs in a graphical editor. Simultaneously, the actual state and transition elements are parameterized and initialized, concerning their case-specific prototypes. The execution of the programmed structures is solved by general purpose code generating and kernel programs, while the actual model elements are executed by the respective prototypes. In the proposed model representation, the detailed description of possibility (design) space, as well as the components of the evaluating functions may be embedded in the state and transition elements. The introduction of methodology, developed in other fields, will be illustrated with fictitious and simple examples in the context of Hydrogen Supply Chains.