Developing a unit testing framework for control system software implementation of a degassing vacuum pumping station

Abstract

Research objective is to develop a test automation system for the process algorithm software implementation of the degassing vacuum pumping station control system operation at a coal mine. Relevance. The vacuum pumping station is an essential component of a mine degassing system. Degassing system operation depends on its correct functioning. A programmable logic controller with appropriate software is a key component of the vacuum pumping station automation system. Correct software implementation of the system operation process algorithm is of primary importance. To verify the compliance of the implementation with the requirements, manual testing is commonly used according to a pre-compiled test-plan, which is formed based on the requirements imposed on the system. Manual testing has a number of disadvantages. It is a long process where human errors are likely to occur, and the use of a test bench and/or an assembled control system sample is inevitable. Requirements for the algorithm can be changed in the course of program development, debugging, and initiation, which greatly complicates the testing process. Results. To solve the problem of process algorithm software implementation testing automation, the process control algorithm should be isolated from the software components responsible for the hardware. Access to the process control algorithm should be provided through standard interfaces (for example, OPC UA). Additional process equipment (valves, etc.) used in the automation system should be implemented in the form of emulators with an opportunity to assign their modes of operation. By creating an additional software layer of interaction with a process algorithm and emulator in a programming language with advanced test tools (for example, Python), it is possible to implement test scenarios from a test plan in this language. It will allow testing in automatic mode rather than manually. Conclusions. The proposed approach to process algorithm software implementation testing automation will greatly simplify software development for this type of automation and control systems