Hi,

Modelica is a modeling language. In order to build and simulate models, you need a tool like Dymola to translate the Modelica code to executable code. You have to learn both: using Dymola (or any other tool) and the syntax and use of Modelica. In addition, there is the Modelica Standard Library, which is afaik included in the tools, I guess your second question relates to that. It is an assembly of many models of different domains that provides you with examples how you can model various physical effects.

check www.modelica.org for more infos!

HTH,

Imke

Dear Imke,

Thanks a lot for your information. Is it possible to learn both simultaneously or Modelica is a pre-requisite for Dymola?

Regards,

Amir

Modelica is an open source, object oriented, declarative modelling language, Where as dymola is a commercial Modelica simulation environment. To oversimplify things a little bit think Modelica like a C or Fortran language (only it is not a programming language but high level modelling language). Now dymola is like the compiler for the programming languages eg. gcc, gfortran etc.

So why do we need simulation environments ?

1.) to define the modelica model with graphical user interface.

2.) to perform symbolic transformation of variables in the model

3.) to simulate the model and visualize the results.

Dymola is just one of the simulation environments that are available. there are many others, some of which are open-source and others are commercial.

see here for more info: https://www.modelica.org/tools

so if you want to learn in detail the Modelica language then go through the language specification document.

https://www.modelica.org/documents/ModelicaSpec34.pdf

If you are a beginner and would like to develop simple models from the start and improve over it then there are several books and resources available.

see here : https://www.modelica.org/education

I would strongly recommend starting with "Modelica by Example" by Dr. Michael M Tiller

see here : https://book.xogeny.com/

Dear Aaditya,

Thanks a lot for your useful information.

Kind regards,

There is an ongoing international project "IBPSA Project 1" (lead by LBNL Berkeley and RWTH Aachen): https://www.researchgate.net/project/IBPSA-Project-1. In this project we are developing "open-source software that builds the basis of next generation computing tools for the design and operation of building and district energy and control systems". Three things might be interesting for you :(i) The work builds upon Modelica and FMI, (ii) 4t generation district heating systems are a key topic and (iii) we are developing an open source Modelica library.