Thermal Liquid Systems
R2026bExplore examples that illustrate modeling, control, and simulation of thermal liquid systems.
Featured Examples
Hydraulic Fluid Warming Due to Losses
Model shows how Foundation Library thermal liquid components can be used to estimate the impact of viscous losses on an actuating system's temperature over a long time scale. A pump supplies energy to the system to actuate a double-acting cylinder periodically. The pressure losses within directional valve converts the energy into heat. Heat transfer through the cylinder casing to the environment provides a heat sink.
Optimal Pipeline Geometry for Heated Oil Transportation
Model shows the opposing effects of viscous warming and conductive cooling on the temperature of a buried pipeline segment for heated oil transportation. A requirement for these systems is for the crude oil to stay well above the pour point to provide a continuous steady flow. The system is modeled using the Thermal Liquid Foundation Library. Crude oil thermodynamic properties are stored in workspace matrices and are used to populate the Thermal Liquid Settings block mask parameters.
Water Hammer Effect
Model shows how the Thermal Liquid foundation library can be used to model water hammer in a long pipe. After slowly establishing a steady flow within the pipe by opening a valve accordingly, the same valve is shut within a few milliseconds. This triggers a water hammer effect. The valve is modeled using a Variable Local Restriction (TL) block and the pipe is divided into four segments using the Pipe (TL) block. Breaking the pipe into more segments increases fidelity at the expense of simulation performance.
Engine Cooling System
Model a basic engine cooling system using custom thermal liquid blocks. A fixed-displacement pump drives water through the cooling circuit. Heat from the engine is absorbed by the water coolant and dissipated through the radiator. The system temperature is regulated by the thermostat, which diverts flow to the radiator only when the temperature is above a threshold.
