How can I put the parameters of the 3-zone pipe (2P) model as a function?

I would like to put the external heat transfer coefficient and the pipe thermal conductivity of 3-zone pipe (2p) model as a function of temperature.

In the simscape environment, it seems that only constant values are available for parameters.

If it is possible, I would like to know how input the parameters as a function.

Thank you.

Answer 1

[Yifeng Tang]

Ideally, you would modify the source code of this block to implement such functions. However, the source code of 3-zone pipe is not visible.

One possible workaround to consider: make the external heat transfer coeffcient of the pipe really large, and the wall thickness zero. As such, the thermal resistance from the external convection and wall-conduction is very small. Then implement convective heat transfer block outside the thermal port, together with thermal mass and conductive heat transfer blocks for the pipe wall. You can then modify the source codes of the convective heat transfer block and the conductive heat transfer block to make h and k as inputs (should be just a few lines of Simscape codes). Now, apply the functions you want.

[Kabo]

This post is of 2022, is the source code for 3-zone pipe (2P) still not available?

[Yifeng Tang]

In general, the blocks in the Simscape add-on libraries (Fluids, Driveline, Electrical, etc.) do not expose the source code. All the blocks in the Simscape foundation libraries have the source code available.

So, no, the availability of the source code for this block hasn't changed in latest versions.