Modelling and simulation of combined lumped and distributed systems by an object-oriented approach

The paper extends object-oriented modelling (OOM) to physical systems including distributed parameter components. An approach is proposed where the basic paradigms of OOM (e.g. encapsulation, independence of module interface from internal behaviour, non-causal model format) are ensured. The technical aspects are worked out with reference to the case of heat exchangers (HEs) of generic topology. A possible implementation in the OOM language Modelica is outlined, to prove the compliance of the extension with OOM constructs.