# 1. Getting Started

## 1.1. Literature for Users

The following books are useful for new users to get started:

- Modelica Buildings Library trainings documentation at https://simulationresearch.lbl.gov/modelica/training.html.

- The online book with interactive examples of Michael Tiller at https://mbe.modelica.university/.

- The books by Michael Tiller [Til2001] and Peter Fritzson ([Fri2011] and [Fri2004]).

- The tutorials that are listed at https://modelica.org/publications.

Although the Modelica Language Tutorial is for an older version (Modelica 1.4), it is still instructive and relevant to understand the concepts of the language.

Links to papers that describe or used the Buildings library are available at https://simulationresearch.lbl.gov/modelica/publications.html. The model documentation from the download page contains user guides that describe the individual packages of the Buildings library.

The IEA EBC Annex 60 final report summarizes the development of Modelica models, approaches and tools for co-simulation based on the Functional Mockup Interface standard, Building Information Modeling technologies based on the Industry Foundation Classes, as well as tools for workflow automation. It also contains numerous examples that apply these technologies to the design and operation of building and community energy systems.

## 1.2. Training Videos

Some of the Modelica Buildings Library trainings has posted recordings at https://simulationresearch.lbl.gov/modelica/training.html.

Spoken tutorials for beginners are available at https://spoken-tutorial.org/tutorial-search/?search_foss=OpenModelica&search_language=English.

Modelon has various online tutorials, including getting started with the Modelica Buildings Library, at https://help.modelon.com/latest/videos/video_overview/.

## 1.3. Running the First Simulations

To start using Modelica, run some of the example models of the Buildings library. Make variations in these examples by changing values of model parameters or by replacing existing component models by new ones. The example models can be found in the packages Examples.

Study the detailed tutorials with step-by-step instructions for how to build system models, which can be found in the Tutorial package.

Note that heat transfer models, which can be found in Buildings.HeatTransfer.*.Examples are easier to understand than fluid flow models because;

- handling fluid flow adds more complexity due to flow reversal (i.e., if the mass flow rate changes its direction),

- fluid flow models may need to handle multiple species such as air and water vapor, as well as trace substances such as CO2, and

- fluid flow models use packages that define medium models, such as dry air, moist air, water or other fluids.

To get started with Spawn of EnergyPlus, we recommend to first familiarize yourself with Modelica, as described above. Next, read the user guide for the Spawn models which provides step-by-step instructions and points to various examples.

## 1.4. Software Requirements

Check the software requirements for the different versions of the Buildings library at https://simulationresearch.lbl.gov/modelica/download.html

## 1.5. Literature for Developers

It is essential that users who develop new thermo-fluid models to understand the concept of stream connectors. Stream connectors are explained in the Modelica language definition, available at https://modelica.org/language, and in the paper Franke et al. [Fra2009a]. The Buildings library uses similar modeling principles, and the same base classes, as the Modelica.Fluid library. Hence, we also recommend reading the paper about the standardization of thermo-fluid models in Modelica.Fluid [Fra2009b].

The Modelica Web Reference gives a concise overview, explanation and further links about the Modelica language.

See Section 5 for instructions, conventions and guidelines for contributing to the Buildings library.

## 1.6. References

Fri2004

  Peter Fritzson. Principles of Object-Oriented Modeling and Simulation with Modelica 2.1. John Wiley & Sons, 2004.

Fri2011

  Peter Fritzson. Introduction to Modeling and Simulation of Technical and Physical Systems with Modelica. Wiley-IEEE Press, ISBN 978-1-1180-1068-6, 2011.

Fra2009a

  R. Franke, F. Casella, M. Otter, M. Sielemann, H. Elmqvist, S. E. Mattsson, and H. Olsson. Stream connectors – an extension of modelica for device-oriented modeling of convective transport phenomena. In F. Casella, editor, Proc. of the 7-th International Modelica Conference, Como, Italy, Sept. 2009.

Fra2009b

  R. Franke, F. Casella, M. Otter, K. Proelss, M. Sielemann, and M. Wetter. Standardization of thermo-fluid modeling in Modelica.Fluid. In F. Casella, editor, Proc. of the 7-th International Modelica Conference, Como, Italy, Sept. 2009.

Til2001

  Michael M. Tiller. Introduction to Physical Modeling with Modelica. Kluwer Academic Publisher, 2001.