Bridging the gap between discrete and continuous simulation of logistic systems in production based on the Modelica modeling language

Abstract

The demand for mass-customized products is increasing steadily. As a consequence, the requirements regarding flexibility and efficiency of automated production systems and their logistic parts are increasing as well. In order to evaluate different plant designs before the commissioning or due to necessary reconfigurations, model-based approaches in combination with simulation techniques can be applied. Therefore, the interaction of transported load and physical aspects of plant components, e.g. motor current, needs to be described and evaluated. To bridge the gap between the time-discrete behavior of manufactured products, i.e. their occurrence, and the continuous characteristics of a transportation system's modules, i.e. differential equations, in this work a model interface was developed and integrated into model classes of the Modelica modeling language. The correct behavior of the particular library items has been proven by tests of the logical behavior and the comparison to a real conveyor belt drive system.