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Power Node Model

Description

The Power Node Model can be added to any Physical Object on an entity, and it can be used as part of the Power Bus. It allows for current and voltage to be calculated for the node and serves as the foundation for all power-related components in the simulation system.

Example Use Cases

  • Power Component Integration: Add power functionality to any physical component, allowing it to participate in the power network.
  • Circuit Analysis: Calculate voltage, current, and power values across components in an electrical circuit.
  • Power System Design: Create complex power networks with various components interacting through a shared power bus.

Module Implementation

The Power Node Model implements the core functionality needed for power calculations within a network. It tracks voltage and current values at both input and output terminals, and calculates power consumption.

The model includes the following key parameters:

  • Self Solve: A flag that determines if the Power Node Model should update output parameters itself when not connected to a Power Bus. This is an advanced setting that enables standalone operation.
  • Power: The power consumed by this power node, calculated using the formula , where is the resistance and is the current. This calculation method provides more accurate results than using voltage multiplied by current, especially for power sources with resistance.
  • Is Open Circuit: A flag that indicates whether the power node is currently open, preventing power transfer to the next component.
  • Voltage In: The input voltage of the node in Volts.
  • Voltage Out: The output voltage of the node in Volts.
  • Voltage Node: The node voltage being used for calculations in Volts.
  • Current In: The input current of the node in Amperes.
  • Current Out: The output current of the node in Amperes.
  • Resistance: The resistance of the node in Ohms, with a default value of 1Ω.

NOTE

The Power Node Model is the foundational model for all power components in the system. More specialized models like the Camera Model, Computer Model, and Ion Thruster Model all build upon this base model by adding specific functionality while retaining the core power calculations.

Assumptions/Limitations

  • The model assumes that all components follow standard electrical circuit principles.
  • When not connected to a power bus, the Self Solve flag must be set to true for the model to update its output parameters.
  • The model uses a simplified representation of electrical behavior when self solving that may not capture all aspects of real-world power systems.
  • A minimum resistance value is enforced to prevent divide-by-zero errors in power calculations.

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