On the Methodology of Cooperative and Multirate Simulation

Abstract

The term co-simulation has become more widely known in the last decade as the need for integrative simulations of complex systems is steadily increasing. This paper gives an overview of common cosimulation and multirate algorithms and tries to take up the advantages, risks and restrictions of certain methods as well as challenges to be expected when coupling simulations. At first, the terms multirate simulation and cooperative simulation are explained in detail and several coupling methods are described. The next section covers approaches to examine and improve stability issues. Finally, reasonable fields of application for cooperative simulation are considered and ideas for further coupling methods are proposed. Although this is a quite theoretical field of study, considerations show its practical usability for complex systems like for example production facilities and the increase of energy efficiency by the application of an integrative, predictive simulation.