FMI Model Exchange Co-Simulation with IPC Step Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coupling heterogeneous simulation tools for co-simulation is challenging, requiring significant effort, reducing calculation speed, accuracy, and increasing the risk of errors due to the need for customized interfaces and complex documentation.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using the Functional Mock-up Interface (FMI) standard to control the co-simulation step size through Inter Process Communication (IPC) interfaces, where the co-simulation master uses DoStep-semantic instructions to synchronize enhanced simulation models via Functional Mock-up Units (FMUs) for model exchange, enabling indirect control of simulation environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If customized interfaces are implemented for each simulation environment, then co-simulation compatibility is achieved, but device complexity and implementation effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal co-simulation interface that can handle multiple simulation environments (MATLAB/Simulink, Dymola, Modelica, etc.) through a single standardized API. The interface uses common data structures and communication protocols that work across different vendors' tools, eliminating the need to create separate customized interfaces for each simulation environment while maintaining full compatibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary coupling methods are used, then specific simulation tools can be integrated, but ease of operation and documentation requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the co-simulation system into independent modular components: a master controller, slave simulation tools, and standardized interface layers. Each component can be developed, tested, and maintained independently. The interface is divided into clear input/output data structures that simplify teamwork and documentation, allowing different team members to work on different simulation tools without requiring deep understanding of the entire system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If heterogeneous simulation tools are coupled, then simulation comprehensiveness improves, but calculation speed and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic parameter adjustment mechanisms that automatically optimize simulation step sizes, data exchange frequencies, and solver settings based on the specific requirements of each simulation tool and the overall system performance. The interface monitors calculation speed and accuracy metrics in real-time, adjusting parameters to maintain optimal performance when coupling heterogeneous tools with different time scales and solution methods.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for the simulation of a process by means of co-simulation by coupling more than one simulation model (SMD) processing a subsystem as a component of said simulation, the method comprising: - controlling the co-simulation step size (STS) of the simulation models by a co-simulation master (CSM), - enhanced simulation models (ESM) comprising a Functional Mock-up Unit for model exchange (FMU-ME) based on Functional Mock-up Interface standard (FMI). To provide more flexibility for implementation co-simulation the method comprises the steps of: - communicating said co-simulation step size (STS) of the enhanced simulation models (ESM) via an Inter Process Communication interface (IPC), - the co-simulation master (CSM) controlling the co-simulation step size (STS) via said inter process communication interface (IPC) addressing the Functional Mock-up Unit for model exchange (FMU-ME) using DoStep-semantic instructions (DSI), - the Functional Mock-up Unit for model exchange (FMU-ME) triggering event handling calls (HCL) of the enhanced simulation model (ESM) by notifying events (EVT) to the enhanced simulation model (ESM) initiated by the DoStep-semantic instructions (DSI) received from said Inter Process Communication interface (IPC) such that the co-simulation master (CSM) controls or synchronizes the enhanced simulation model (ESM) executions by using model exchange events (EVT).