What is EcosimPro?

Astrium
ESA-AOES Medialab
ESA (images by AOES Medialab)
EcosimPro is a software tool for modeling and simulating
multidisciplinary continuous and discrete systems. It
incorporates an object-oriented programming language, a
powerful DAE solver and a friendly Graphic User Interface.

EcosimPro and EA Internacional

Empresarios Agrupados Internacional SA (EAI) is an

ESA-AOES Medialab
architect-engineering organisation that was founded in 1971
and belongs to the following companies: Tcnicas Reunidas
SA, GHESA Ingeniera y Tecnologa SA, Iberdrola Ingeniera y
Construccin SAU, and SOCOIN Ingeniera y Construccin
SLU.

EA began developing EcosimPro in 1989 under a contract from

the ESA to simulate ECLSS in manned spacecraft. The
EcosimPro is designed so that components can be reused in many multidisciplinary nature of this type of simulation gave rise to
different systems without having to be reprogrammed. It the creation of generic modelling software for use in many
provides a highly intuitive environment that enables the user to other continually broadening areas.

easily display simulation schematic diagrams and carry out both EA Internacional is the official distributor of ESPSS libraries to
transient and steady state studies. external users.

EcosimPro is an open tool which allows using other existing code

ESPSS

ESA-C.Carreau
written in C, C++ or FORTRAN and, in turn, generating C++ code
with the final simulation model.

ESPSS Project Developers

Backed by the technical support of ESA, four companies

European Space Propulsion
participate in the development of ESPSS software, thus
guaranteeing a successful simulation tool:
System Simulation
ESA-S.Corvaja 09

Empresarios Agrupados, experts in the design and production

ESA Simulation libraries, based on EcosimPro,
of software simulation tools, coordinating partner of the
project and responsible for the ESPSS modelling for modelling spacecraft and launch vehicle propulsion systems
EADS Astrium Space Transportation, the main industrial EA Internacional S.A.
architect and stage integrator of Ariane launchers,
responsible for User Requirements and Validation cases
Magallanes, 3 Madrid

CENAERO, a company at the forefront of CFD and 28015 Spain

Optimization methods, responsible for the Advanced 1D E-mail: info@ecosimpro.com
algorithms, zooming with external CFD codes and system
optimization with Max code coupling URL: http://www.ecosimpro.com EMPRESARIOS AGRUPADOS

KOPOOS, a company with large experience in Satellite Phone: +34 91 309 81 42

Propulsion Systems of Chemical and Electrical types,
Fax: +34 91 591 26 55
responsible for the Priming and Tank filling validation cases
ESPSS SIMULATION PLATFORM FLUID_PROPERTIES LIBRARY
The Fluid_properties Library is a set of thermodynamic functions returning the properties of most of the fluids used for rocket applications. Fluids are
TURBO-MACHINERY LIBRARY

supported in different categories depending on the type used:
- Perfect gases properties according to CEA code, or interpolated in external temperature dependent properties files (user modifiable)
- Simplified liquids interpolated in external temperature dependent properties files (user modifiable)
Two different types of turbo-machinery are available: one generic model if the off-design
characteristics are unknown, and one specific model which can only be used with user defined
maps, for well-defined turbo-machinery
Turbine and compressor maps are very general because the parameters are scaling with the

ESA/CNES/P.Baudon
The European Space Propulsion System Simulation (ESPSS) is an ESA
mean radius and the speed of sound. Therefore, given characteristics remain valid for
initiative that aims to create a European simulation platform for spacecraft and
- Real fluids properties directly interpolated in external 2D properties files (user modifiable), normally obtained running the REFPROP code (NIST) geometrically similar turbines/compressor, and for different fluids
launch vehicle propulsion systems. It consists of a set of libraries based on the
EcosimPro simulation environment. ESPSS provides a state-of-the-art tool for The homogeneous model calculates mixtures of a real fluid with a non-condensable gas (quality, void fraction, etc) in case of two phase two-fluid flow
TANKS LIBRARY
analyzing different phenomena in propulsion systems validated successfully
Functions calculating real
with experiments entailing priming cases, two-phase tank filling processes The Tank_Bladder component models two different fluid cavities, one for the liquid and another for the
properties interpolate in 2D
and the Ariane 5 ESC-A upper stage. property tables. Two kind of gas mixture. It also calculates the bladder movement separating the liquid from the gas
interpolations are available:
ESPSS libraries are delivered along with the source code, thus allowing the 1D Tanks calculate the temperature variation along a vertical axis. The pressurization of the gas part
users to either modify or reuse any of the library components. As ESA holds the - Direct interpolation using the by boiling inside the liquid or by filling processes is included in the formulation. The heat and mass
proprietary rights to the ESPSS libraries, any entity interested in using them couples P-S, P-H, and returning transfer at the liquid/gas interface is also calculated
need prior approval from ESA. a property.

- Reverse interpolation using the

EcosimPro is a commercial simulation environment developed by Empresarios
couples T-S, H-S or Rho-U and
Agrupados Internacional S.A. (EAI) and is presently used in other areas such returning pressure.
T-S thermodynamic diagram Available real fluids
as environmental control and life support in manned spacecraft, power plant
systems, biological simulation, loop heat pipes, etc. EAI is the official

ESA/CNES/ARIANESPACE-P.Baudon
distributor of the ESPSS libraries.
ESPSS libraries provide palettes of components
which allows building graphically complex systems
ESPSS libraries: a summary:

A specific library providing a standard properties database for propellants,

pressurants and other fluids and materials Tank pressure, liquid height & temperature results
Model of a Pressurisation system

A general purpose library for two-phase fluid 1D models. Hydraulic or

pneumatic systems with coupled heat transfer networks and controllers can be COMB_CHAMBERS LIBRARY
easily represented Models with one or more chambers can be evaluated under quasi steady or transient conditions
(start-up and shutdown) where the valve sequences are decisive
Specific libraries for the simulation of 1D two-phase tanks and turbo
machinery components (pumps, turbines and compressors) Wall heat exchange, pressure drops,
cavity priming and vaporization
A specific library for the simulation of combustion chambers, nozzles and phenomena (progressive consumption
cooling systems of injected liquid) are taken into account

Some application domains are: . The Cooling Jackets components

ESPSS palettes of
Performances of a Cold Thruster Xenon cycle (BB actuation)
components completely model 3D geometries built
Modelling of spacecraft or ground pressurization systems including priming by means of several 3D walls around the
processes, tank behaviour, heat exchange, mechanical or electronic pressure channels (1D fluid component):
FLUID_FLOW_1D LIBRARY Cooling jacket channels Thermal nodes distribution
regulators
Hydraulic or pneumatic systems with coupled heat transfer networks and controllers can be easily represented with this library
Modelling of any kind of liquid rocket engine cycle with one or more Start up and shut down representation
Programming of the components is non-dependent on the working fluid: conservation equations are stated in a general way, the
combustion chambers including turbo machinery (pumps, compressor and
fluid phase and the quality being calculated by the properties functions
turbines) and two phase cooling systems
ESA-S.Corvaja 09

Priming phenomena (with or without a non-condensable gas travelling in a

liquid) can be calculated in pipes or other specific spacecraft subsystems.
ESPSS also permit analyzing in great detail transient aspects due to inertia
(water-hammer), heat exchange (radiators) or control processes
ESPSS allows the simulation of the
hydrodynamic cavitation with or without a
Interaction with other software is possible, especially in the following areas: non-condensable gas travelling in a liquid
Optimization for design and test fitting, coupling to external software (e.g. using real properties fluids:
CFD), etc. Staged engine model Chamber & Preburner temperature
Simplified model of a priming Pressure surge peaks Pressure surge peaks