Abstract

Simulation programs modeling cyclic processes can be used in thermodynamics lectures to promote understanding. Modelica-based simulation environments are a good starting point for the development of such programs, but the handling of the corresponding thermo-fluid standard library is very difficult for non-experts. The recently presented DLR ThermoFluidStream Library is a good alternative, that is easier to use. It provides most components that are needed in typical cases and includes full access to the Modelica media library. It will be shown, how to use the ThermoFluidStream Library to create examples ranging from the simple Otto and Diesel cycles over the basic Joule-Brayton and Ericsson processes to the water/steam based Clausius-Rankine cycle. Though the construction of concrete processes with given thermodynamic state values and mass flow still requires some effort, one can apply a systematic approach to create working models for teaching purposes.