Summary
Simulation and evaluation of models
Simulator Suite enables our customers to efficiently evaluate models based on the Functional Mock-up Interface (FMI) standard or compiled Dymola code. With our software package, models can be simulated in familiar applications such as Excel or LabVIEW as well as used via SDKs in C/C++ and Python. Extensive configuration options and specialized solver technology allow high-performance evaluation of complex thermodynamic systems.
The Software Package
Structure and content
Simulator Suite enables models to be simulated in various application programs. In addition, the simulation core can be integrated into your own software via existing SDKs (Software Development Kits), which can either be based on C/C++ or Python.
Integration of the simulation core is available for the following applications:
TLK Simulator for Excel
TLK Simulator for LabVIEW
TLK Simulator for TISC
TLK Simulator for TRNSYS
The simulation core of Simulator Suite is also integrated into our software products ModelFitter and Optimization Suite. It can also be integrated into a wide variety of workflows via our software product MoBA Automation.
Simulation Core
Calculation of models
The simulation core can be addressed directly via the SDKs. The following model types are supported:
FMI (1.0/2.0/3.0, ModelExchange and Co-Simulation)
Dymola model ("dymosim.exe")
System Structure and Parameterization (SSP)
TISC (simulator coupling)
Further model types in the form of hybrid algebraic-differential equation systems can be added via a plug-in API. Models can also be parameterized and provided with transient inputs (e.g. from a CSV file).
Various solver algorithms are available for evaluating the models:
ODE solvers: CVode, ARKode, Explicit Euler
Event iteration: Superdense Time
Multidimensional zero search (KINSOL, Newton-Raphson)
The performance of the simulation core is demonstrated by the results from FMI CrossChecks, in which TLK participates. The FMI CrossCheck procedure is used to compare the simulation results generated by Simulator Suite with the reference results of the FMU-exporting programs. A maximum deviation of 0.2% is tolerated. The CrossCheck results are regularly updated at www.fmi-standard.org. The high number of successful CrossChecks shows that simulations with Simulator Suite lead to reliable results.
Figure 1: CrossCheck results of Simulator Suite
The Simulator Suite provides the user with helpful model information about the simulated system, which improves model understanding and supports troubleshooting. In addition, the Simulator Suite offers various options to customize the simulation in detail, for example by selecting and setting the solver (e.g. Sundial's CVODE, Sundial's ARKODE, Explicit Euler). The available solvers are explicitly selected with regard to the solution of complex thermodynamic systems.
Figure 2: The "Model Information" dialog supports the user during the simulation
Excel Interface
TLK Simulator for Excel: FMU and Dymola simulation
The TLK Simulator for Excel allows you to import, analyze, and simulate FMUs and compiled Dymola models (dymosim.exe) in Excel. A major advantage of the TLK Simulator for Excel is that our customers can simulate models without detailed prior knowledge and can visualize and evaluate the results in the familiar Excel interface.
The TLK Simulator for Excel also offers the option of carrying out parameter studies intuitively in the Excel interface. Using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), the functionality of this tool can be flexibly extended and customized to meet specific user requirements.
Further information can be found in our introductory video.
Figure 3: Parameter variation interface of the TLK Simulator for Excel
LabVIEW Interface
TLK Simulator for LabVIEW: Integration of FMUs
The TLK Simulator for LabVIEW provides the user with a simple interface for integrating FMUs into LabVIEW.
Figure 4: Integration of an FMU in a LabVIEW block diagram
Using various VIs, compatible models can be conveniently connected and simulated within LabVIEW. This enables the direct linking of FMUs with a test bench.
Figure 5: Simulation interface for the block diagram in Figure 4. Inputs can be varied in real time, for example using the sliders shown.
TISC Interface
TLK Simulator for TISC: FMUs as a co-simulation element
With the help of the TLK Simulator for TISC, compatible models can be integrated into a TISC simulation so that they are available as a co-simulation element for simulator coupling.
Further information can be found on the product page of TISC Suite.
TRNSYS interface
TLK Simulator for TRNSYS: Simulation extension with FMUs
The TLK Simulator for TRNSYS enables the import and parameterization of an FMU as a TRNSYS model. This allows FMI-based models to be coupled and simulated with TRNSYS models.
Please contact us if you are interested in an available beta version. We are pleased to help you.
Python Interface
TLK Simulator for Python: Integration in software and tool chains
The TLK Simulator for Python provides an interface that makes all simulation tools available and is suitable for individual integration into the user's own tool chain. For example, parameterization, simulation, and evaluation can be fully automated using scripts. The TLK simulator for Python, which is also used in MoBA Automation, can be implemented very flexibly in your own functions and therefore offers a high degree of customizability.
In addition to various functions for analysis, the TLK Simulator for Python can also perform linearizations and determine sensitivities. The associated interface is easy to install. With the TLK Simulator for Python, we offer our customers a consistent and robust basis for their own simulation and software development.
Further information can be found in our introductory video.
Figure 6: Example of the use of TLK simulator for Python
C/C++ interface
TLK simulator for C/C++: Integration in software
The TLK simulator for C/C++ provides an easy to understand interface for carrying out an FMU simulation. This enables the use of FMU-based models as a high level class in a C/C++ project.
Figure 7: Example of the use of the TLK simulator for C/C++
