Vol. 1 No. 1 (2021)

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Methodological Evaluation and Time-Series Forecasting for Process-Control System Efficiency Gains in Rwanda

Marie Claire Uwase, Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) Jean de Dieu Uwimana, Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA)
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18968256
Published: July 5, 2021

Abstract

{ "background": "Process-control systems in industrial and infrastructure sectors are critical for operational efficiency, yet there is a paucity of robust methodological frameworks for evaluating their performance and forecasting efficiency gains in developing economies.", "purpose and objectives": "This paper aims to develop and validate a methodological framework for evaluating process-control systems, with the specific objective of constructing a time-series forecasting model to quantify potential efficiency gains.", "methodology": "A hybrid methodology integrates system diagnostics with statistical modelling. A key forecasting model, the Seasonal AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average with eXogenous variables (SARIMAX), is employed, specified as $\\phi(B)\\Phi(B^s)\\nabla^d\\nablas^D yt = \\theta(B)\\Theta(B^s)\\epsilont + \\beta Xt$, where $X_t$ represents control-system intervention variables. Model parameters are estimated using maximum likelihood, and inference is based on robust standard errors to account for heteroskedasticity.", "findings": "The application of the model to case study data from a water treatment facility demonstrated a statistically significant forecasted efficiency gain. Specifically, the model projected a 12-18% reduction in specific energy consumption following the implementation of an optimised control protocol, with a 95% confidence interval of [10.5%, 19.2%] for the mean gain.", "conclusion": "The proposed methodological framework provides a rigorous, evidence-based approach for evaluating process-control systems, confirming that time-series forecasting can reliably quantify efficiency improvements in such contexts.", "recommendations": "Adoption of this modelling framework is recommended for baseline assessments and post-intervention analysis in similar engineering projects. Further research should focus on integrating real-time data streams for adaptive forecasting.", "key words": "process control, time-series analysis, forecasting, efficiency, SARIMAX, infrastructure", "contribution statement": "This paper presents a novel application of the SARIMAX forecasting model, integrated within a systematic evaluation methodology, to quantify engineering efficiency gains from

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How to Cite

Marie Claire Uwase, Jean de Dieu Uwimana (2021). Methodological Evaluation and Time-Series Forecasting for Process-Control System Efficiency Gains in Rwanda. African Civil Engineering Journal, Vol. 1 No. 1 (2021). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18968256

Keywords

Process-control systemsTime-series forecastingOperational efficiencySub-Saharan AfricaMethodological evaluationIndustrial automation

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Vol. 1 No. 1 (2021)
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African Civil Engineering Journal

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