Energy systems: An extension to a visual simulation system

Simulation is one of the most widely used techniques in operations research and management science. Simulation is defined as the imitation of the naturally occurring processes in as much detail as possible without requiring a real-world interface. This thesis discusses the issues involved when a computer program is used to create a laboratory version of a naturally occurring process and hence assist in the simulation process. For example, the difficulties encountered when a computer program is used to simulate the working of systems like power generating system by a mechanical engineer. Simulation's value and usage have increased due to improvements in computing power and the availability of software packages for various simulation applications. However, there have been two major impediments to even more wider acceptance and usefulness of simulation: (1) the need for the programming skills for the users, and (2) the lack of clarity of the simulation model at all times during the design. Energy Systems, the work of this thesis, consists of interactive, user friendly blocks representing some of the basic devices in energy system. This library is built as an extension to EXTEND, a general purpose simulation software for the Apple's Macintosh computer. Object oriented programming technique has been used in the development of the library. The library, when used in the visual programming environment of EXTEND, provides the modelers with an environment which enables them to quickly build energy system simulation models and investigate the different design options.