Library Interconnectivity🔗
Connecting components from different libraries together is a very important feature of using our Modelon Libraries. This helps in modeling many applications or use cases and examining the physical behavior of the systems in the most effective manner.
Aerospace🔗
This article focuses mainly on the connections/connectors between two Modelon libraries within the aerospace context. Listed here are the libraries dealing with thermofluids i.e., liquids and gases.
- Jet Propulsion Library - As different media are used in the air and fuel path, we classify them as (JPL) and (JPL Fuel)
- Fuel Cell Library – Categorizing the FCL media into one-phase ideal gases, condensing gases (mixture) and two-phase water (which purely extends from MBL two-phase water)
- Pneumatics Library (PL)
- Hydraulics Library (HL)
- Environmental Control Library (ECL)
- Fuel System Library – Can connect to either the fuel part or air part (FSL air/fuel)
- Liquid Cooling Library (LCL)
- 2-phase libraries: Modelon Base Library - Thermofluid, Heat Exchanger Library (HXL), Vapor Cycle Library (VCL), Fuel Cell Library (FCL) water
- 1-phase libraries: Modelon Base Library - Thermofluid, Heat Exchanger Library (HXL)
The connections/connectors are represented in the form of a matrix for easy reference.
Note
All Modelon Libraries are compatible with each other to be used in the same model. The matrix only refers to the compatibility of thermofluid connections/connectors in Modelon Libraries.
Based on how the libraries are connected, we classify the connections/connectors into four different categories:
| Color Code | Connection Category |
|---|---|
 |
Fluid connectors of components in the libraries are naturally interconnectable. Connect the library components directly. |
 |
Fluid connectors of components in the libraries are connected using an adaptor available within the libraries. |
 |
Libraries can interact via heat transfer in heat exchangers or rotational connectors in turbomachinery. In case of queries, write to us at support@modelon.com. |
 |
Looking for these connections, write to us at support@modelon.com. |
Connectivity Matrix🔗
All compatible connections and usage of adaptors are demonstrated in IndustryExamples.Aerospace.ConnectingLibraries (available in the 2023 summer release)
Adaptors🔗
The adaptors used for the connections are listed here, based on the numbers in the matrix.
- JetPropulsion.Utilities.Adapters.Adapter
- Pneumatics.ThermoFluid.Components.ThermoFluidAdaptor
- Hydraulics.ThermoFluid.Components.ThermoFluidAdaptor
- FuelSystem.Utilities.Adaptors.MBL_setPos (or) FuelSystem.Utilities.Adaptors.MBL_getPos
- Modelon.ThermoFluid.Adaptors.TwoPhaseToSinglePhase
- FuelSystem.SystemBoundary.TransitionComponents.Adapter_ECS_FS
- FuelCell.Interfaces.FluidConverter
Why do we need adaptors?🔗
The main reason why all libraries cannot just be simply connected is that the fidelity level of how detailed the media is modeled in each library varies. In some libraries, you have a more detailed media model, modeled with more unique substances. Those substances are also represented in the variable called X in the connectors. As an example:
- The model of air within the Jet Propulsion Library consists of two substances: {Dry Air, Combustion Products}
- In 1-phase media within Modelon Base Library, the number of substances for air can vary depending on what media model you choose: {Dry Air}, {H20, Dry Air} or {H20, 02, N2, Ar}. For these libraries to be connected an appropriate adaptor must be used to do the mapping between substances.
The reference point for specific enthalpy may also be different. This is another reason why adaptors must be used to maintain consistency across libraries.