The goal of this project is the development of Modelica libraries (Dymola compatible) to simulate Electrical Environmental Control System (E-ECS) architectures including thermal management perimeter. The efforts have been focused on developing an optimized model to simulate vapour cycle systems (VCS) and liquid loop systems (LCU) at both steady state and transient operational conditions. In addition, an appropriate strategy needs to be adopted to couple the thermal and the electrical environments to achieve an integrated simulation of the complete architecture.
E-ECS architectures include different cooling systems and electrical components which are being modelled within this project. The system/components to be modelled are:
• Vapour cycle systems (VCS), including compressors, reservoirs, valves, heat exchangers, etc.
• Liquid loop systems (LCU), including pipes, pumps, cold plates, heat exchangers, liquid and diphasic coolants, etc.
• Air cycle systems (ACU), including compressors, turbines, air-to-air heat exchangers, fans, sprayers, etc.
• Electrical components, such as power electronics and electrical motors.
A multi-level approach has been considered given the object-oriented nature of Modelica. In general, components are modelled based on their appropriate governing equations (e.g. conservation law of energy, mass and momentum), needed empirical information (e.g. heat transfer correlations), and needed relevant parameters (e.g. compressor efficiencies). However, the modelling will be carried out considering different levels of detail.
System simulations are being performed at both steady state and transient conditions. The computation time will be optimized based on the multi-level approach (i.e. by using simplified component models) but also by implementing/combining different resolution methodologies. The appropriate component level will be chosen according to the needs of the specific development/design phase. In addition, a methodology for coupling the thermal and electrical architectures will be developed in order to simulate a complete E-ECS architecture.
