An approach to virtual-lab implementation using Modelica

A novel approach to the implementation of interactive virtual-labs is proposed. The virtual-lab is completely described in Modelica language and translated using Dymola. To achieve this goal, a systematic methodology to transform any Modelica model into a formulation suitable for interactive simulation has been developed. In addition, VirtualLabBuilder Modelica library has been programmed. This library contains a set of Modelica models of visual interactive elements (i.e., containers, animated geometric shapes and interactive controls) that allows easy creation of the virtual-lab view (i.e., the model-to-user interface). This approach has two strong points. Firstly, it allows taking advantage of the Modelica capabilities for multi-domain modelling and model reuse. In particular, existing Modelica libraries for modelling of physical systems can be reused in order to build the virtual-lab models. Secondly, VirtualLabBuilder library allows describing the virtual-lab view with Modelica, which facilitates its development, maintenance and reuse. The proposed approach is discussed in this manuscript and it is illustrated by means of two case studies: a virtual-lab of an industrial boiler and a virtual-lab describing the thermodynamic behaviour of a solar house.