Simulating Willow Productivity Using Modelica

Modelica is an object-oriented multi-domain modeling language based on algebraic and differential equations currently used mainly for modeling and simulation of technical systems. Apart from being easy to use even for non-computer science people one of the greatest benefits of Modelica is that it is possible to model both discrete and continuous systems as well as hybrids thereof. In this paper we will demonstrate that Modelica is suitable for modeling of ecological and biological systems. The model system described in this paper is a small energy forest ─ a stand of short-rotation willow. The productivity of the stand is described as a periodil (annual) discrete model in Modelica.