A communication network is simulated with a simulator with object based architecture in which each object represents the model of a network device. Embedded historian can be automatically configured, and be set up as a default collection for a plant scan, such that when a plant comes on-line, embedded historians announce their presence to such plant, and are discovered thereby and configured thereby. At various times, the actual amount of oxidants stored in the catalytic converter is determined. The second cell is preferably an alkali metal alloyoxyhalide cell, more preferably a lithium alloyoxyhalide cell or cells.