Design of a Parameter-based Modeling Platform for Road Tunnel Supervisory Controllers

Designing supervisory controllers for high-tech systems is a laborious and error-prone task. By using formal model-based methods, such as the supervisor synthesis method based on supervisory control theory (SCT), a correct-by-construction controller can be synthesized automatically from a model of the plant and a model of the requirements. Modeling for SCT, however, remains a cumbersome task for systems with large numbers of components. Moreover, modeling such systems requires extensive knowledge on SCT, e.g. regarding modeling formalisms and synthesis algorithms, as there exist relatively few modeling guidelines, especially when the components have complex dependencies. This paper proposes a parameter-based modeling approach that enables a designer to automatically generate the required models for synthesis and simulation by defining the parameters of a system within a product platform. The gained benefits include more efficient modeling while requiring less knowledge on SCT. The product platform in this paper considers supervisory controllers for road tunnels. The parameter-based modeling platform is implemented as a proof-of-concept configuration tool, is validated by means of simulation, and its applicability is shown in a case study for a family of 22 tunnels in the Netherlands.