https://doi.org/10.15255/KUI.2025.041
Published: Kem. Ind. 75 (3-4) (2026) 183–190
Paper reference number: KUI-41/2025
Paper type: Original scientific paper
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Enhancing Digital Skills for Sustainable Engineering: A Simulation-based Approach in Process Design

M. Ugrina, N. Vukojević Medvidović and M. Bulić

Abstract

Engineering education is increasingly focused on developing both digital skills and sustainability awareness. To meet modern workforce demands, engineers must be proficient in using digital tools while designing environmentally responsible processes. The “Process Design” course at the Faculty of Chemistry and Technology integrates COCO (Cape-Open to Cape-Open) and ChemSep simulation software to enhance students’ digital competencies and deepen their understanding of sustainable chemical engineering. These free tools allow simulation of chemical processes, thermodynamic calculations, and optimisation of energy-efficient designs, enabling environmentally conscious decision-making. COCO, built on the CAPE-OPEN standard, includes modules for flowsheeting, unit operations, and reaction modelling, while ChemSep is used for simulating distillation columns. Together, they enable students to assess environmental impacts and design more sustainable processes. For this purpose, a survey was conducted among students to assess the software’s usability and its role in developing technical and soft skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork. The results showed that students recognised the value of the opportunity to simulate real-world processes, particularly in the context of sustainability. They found the tools accessible and effective in bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application. Students also emphasised the need for increased practical exercises and the incorporation of more complex simulation tasks. The integration of COCO and ChemSep proved beneficial in preparing students to address sustainability challenges through practical and digital competencies in process design, offering a free and accessible alternative to commercial simulation software, which is often limited by high costs and licensing constraints.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Keywords

digital skills, digital tools, engineering education, process design, simulation