Towards a generic supporting framework for multiscale modelling of process systems

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Multiscale modelling is an emerging modelling paradigm which combines the models of different resolution scales of a complex system to obtain a high-quality characterisation of the entire system which can be utilised to solve challenging scientific and engineering problems. This modelling paradigm is now widely regarded as a promising and powerful tool in various disciplines, including the broad area of process engineering. On the other hand, a multiscale model is usually much more difficult to develop than a single-scale model due to a range of conceptual, numerical, and software challenges to be addressed. Unfortunately, there has been very little support developed so far to facilitate multiscale modelling. Consequently, the application of multiscale modelling still remains a special privilege of highly skilled modelling experts and its success is established very much on a case-specific basis; the majority of scientists and engineers has yet to struggle with conceptual and practical difficulties, despite their high expectations on benefiting from this advanced modelling paradigm. This proposed research is intended to make a step change in the area of multiscale modelling by working towards a computer-based, generic and open supporting framework. This framework will provide comprehensive supports to the development of multiscale applications in all conceptual, numerical, and software aspects. It will be based on a unified theoretical framework of multiscale systems to maximise the generality of the solution in dealing with very diverse applications. Furthermore, it will adopt a three-stage strategy to multiscale modelling which allows to maximise the computer-based supports in conceptual modelling, model realisation, and model execution. This work will contribute to the transfer of multiscale modelling from the hand of experts to the much wider community of practising modellers. Our result will also offer a sound basis for researchers and commercial software vendors to advance theories and tools for multiscale modelling in the future.