How can I use the 'model block' (or similar) in Simulink to recognize SimPowerSystems ports?

I am interested in creating a model that consists of several references to other models that use the SimPowerSystems toolbox. In the 'top sheet' of the model, I would like to connect all of my reference models using electrical connections from the SimPowerSystems toolbox, as well as Simulink signal connections. When using the 'model block' in Simulink, the model block only recognizes Simulink signals. Is there another block I can use to achieve what I want?

As an example, I have created a model called CellEx.slx. This model contains a battery, two electrical ports to connect the battery, and one signal port which contains information about the battery's state of charge, etc... In the 'top sheet' model, ThreeCellEx.slx, I have added three 'model blocks' which reference 'CellEx.slx'. As you can see from the attachment, the only port that I can connect to is the signal port. The electrical ports are not available.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Answer 1

[Damien]

One solution to this problem is to create your own library. I generally followed the directions given here:

http://www.mathworks.co.uk/help/simulink/ug/adding-libraries-to-the-library-browser.html

Step 3 didn't work for me, so I skipped it.

However, this YouTube video also helped:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrenaWTW_SU

This solution works ok - I need to update the simulink library every time I make a change, but it is not terrible. If anyone has any better ideas, please let me know.

Thanks!