Analysis of Differential Algebraic Equation Systems for Connecting
Energy Storages of Generally Valid Functional Mock-up Units
Meik Ehlert
1a
, Christian Henke
1b
and Ansgar Trächtler
2c
1
Fraunhofer Institute for Mechatronic Systems Design IEM, Zukunftsmeile 1, Paderborn, Germany
2
Heinz-Nixdorf-Institute, University of Paderborn, Fürstenallee 11, Paderborn, Germany
Keywords: FMI, FMU, DAE, Energy Storage, Multi Body System, Model Coupling, Co-simulation.
Abstract: Functional Mock-up Units (FMU) refer to tool-independent models exported from their original simulation
tools. They enable component manufacturers and system integrators to exchange models across entire
production chains to validate solutions virtually. However, since system equations cannot be accessed or
modified in an FMU, numerical challenges can arise, especially when coupling similar energy storages. In
this paper, therefore, Differential Algebraic Systems of Equations are analyzed for their suitability for FMU
couplings. It is shown how such systems of equations can be described in a general way and how suitable
coupling constraints for FMUs are chosen. Subsequently, three solution approaches are presented and
analyzed for their feasibility with FMUs.
1 INTRODUCTION
Due to the increasing complexity in mechatronic
systems, a continuous simulation in the development
is indispensable (Michael et al., 2016). In this way,
partial solutions can already be virtually validated in
domain-specific development. This reduces the
construction of necessary prototypes and thus leads to
increased cost and time efficiency.
However, a particular challenge lies in the large
number of interacting domains. Specialized tools are
often used for different domains. System integrators
must therefore couple models from a heterogeneous
tool landscape with each other in order to represent
the overall system. The Functional Mock-up Interface
(FMI) has proven to be a widely used way of coupling
models in a tool-independent manner. Models are
exported from their original modeling tools as
compiled binary files. These are called Functional
Mock-up Units (FMU). The models can then be
interconnected via a standardized interface.
In addition to the tool-independent coupling of the
models, the FMI standard also allows industrial
know-how protection to be achieved. Since the model
behavior is represented by binary files, the internal
a
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3905-4407
b
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7611-7983
c
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9987-1655
system equations can no longer be accessed or
changed. Thus the FMI standard can be used for a
modular model exchange over entire production
chains. Manufacturers of individual components, e.g.
from the electrical drive technology, have the
opportunity to pass on models to customers without
disclosing their know-how. This increases market
visibility and enlarges the customer base. On the other
hand, system integrators can test components from
different manufacturers virtually in their overall
solution.
The model boundaries of an FMU can be defined
as small as desired. For example, an FMU can
represent a physical component or an entire assembly.
However, a component can also be divided further, so
that an FMU can also be created at subcomponent
level. For example, an industrial converter can be
divided into a rectifier and an inverter. Similarly,
individual FMUs can be created from software
components, such as control algorithms. A large
number of FMUs in the overall system ensures
greater modularization. Individual submodels can be
exchanged and reused more easily. For example, the
user can assemble his own system model from a set
of prefabricated FMUs.