.TRANSFORM.UsersGuide.nParallel

Information

The paramerter "nParallel" allows the user to mimic the behavior of multiple, identical components in parallel. The parameter operates on the flow variable (e.g., m_flow or Q_flow) by dividing the port value from the value used in the model.

For example,

port_a.m_flow/nParallel = m_flow

port_b.m_flow/nParallel = m_flow

An important aspect of this component is to ensure that if values are references within a component, the user multiplies nParallel to that number as appropriate.

For example, if the modeler wants to reference the heat flow from the pipe one may look at "pipe.heatTransfer.heatPorts.Q_flow". This value is the heat flow from only 1 pipe. So if nParallel is > 1 then the reported value will differ from the expected value by a factor of "nParallel".

So the rule of thumb is, make sure you know what is being referenced and double check that everything makes sense. nParallel is very helpful but can be easily used incorrectly.