A Component-based Modeling Approach for System Design: Theory and Implementation

Previous research has developed search algorithms for deducing Proper Models of dynamic systems. These minimum complexity models (with physically meaningful parameters) can reduce the design cycle where modeling and simulation is (or should be) a part of the design process. To apply these algorithms effectively to realistic systems, a Component Modeling Procedure consisting of a two-level representation is proposed. This procedure along with the algorithms are implemented in a computer program CAMBAS (Computer Aided Model Building Automation System). CAMBAS uses expandable bond graph models (templates) of components stored in libraries, which the design engineer selects to build a “word bond graph like” representation of the system. CAMBAS then automatically assembles the global bond graph of the system. This system bond graph is processed by the deduction search algorithms to generate the Proper Model. An illustrative example is provided to show the potential of CAMBAS for automating the production of Proper System Models for the design of multi-energy domain systems.