Thermal management
The modelling of complex thermal architectures is necessary for the optimisation and control of air conditioning systems in aircraft as well as in electric vehicles and buildings. This involves the ideal distribution of mass flows and the optimal utilisation of phase transitions for heat transfer. Based on these models, new technologies can be analysed and algorithms for optimal control can be developed.
The robust modelling of such architectures is often a major challenge. The Institute of System Dynamics and Control has developed a new method for this and makes it available as open source software: https://github.com/DLR-SR/ThermofluidStream
The software was honoured with the 1st prize of the international Modelica Library Award! The library has now also found favour with numerous industrial users and DLR is also developing it further as part of international research projects.