AixLib: an open-source Modelica library for compound building energy systems from component to district level with automated quality management

Journal of Building Performance Simulation, vol. 17, pp. 196–219

Abstract

Open-source modelling libraries facilitate the standardization and harmonization of model development. In the context of building energy systems, Modelica is a suitable modelling language as it is equation-based and object-oriented. As an outcome of the IBPSA project 1 cooperation, four open-source modelling libraries have been successfully deployed which all share the core library Modelica IBPSA. One of them is the AixLib modelling library. AixLib supports different modelling depths ranging from component to district level and covers all relevant domains in the context of building energy systems. To ensure high-quality simulations, continuous integration has been successfully added to automatically compare simulation results with existing validation data. This paper presents AixLib's key features, scope, and associated tools. We present three use cases that highlight the broad application range of AixLib models. Furthermore, an overview of relevant research and industry projects is provided. Finally, we give an outlook on future development goals.

Authors 6

1. Laura Maier corresponding Aachen E.ON Energy Research Center Institute for Energy Efficient Buildings and Indoor Climate

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   E.ON Energy Research Center, Institute for Energy Efficient Buildings and Indoor Climate, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

2. Fabian Wüllhorst Aachen E.ON Energy Research Center Institute for Energy Efficient Buildings and Indoor Climate

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   E.ON Energy Research Center, Institute for Energy Efficient Buildings and Indoor Climate, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

3. Martin Kremer Aachen E.ON Energy Research Center Institute for Energy Efficient Buildings and Indoor Climate

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   E.ON Energy Research Center, Institute for Energy Efficient Buildings and Indoor Climate, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

4. Alexander Kümpel Aachen E.ON Energy Research Center Institute for Energy Efficient Buildings and Indoor Climate

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   E.ON Energy Research Center, Institute for Energy Efficient Buildings and Indoor Climate, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

5. Tobias Blacha Aachen E.ON Energy Research Center Institute for Energy Efficient Buildings and Indoor Climate

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   E.ON Energy Research Center, Institute for Energy Efficient Buildings and Indoor Climate, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

6. Dirk Müller Aachen E.ON Energy Research Center Institute for Energy Efficient Buildings and Indoor Climate

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   E.ON Energy Research Center, Institute for Energy Efficient Buildings and Indoor Climate, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany