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OpenModelica VS Aspen Plus

Compare OpenModelica VS Aspen Plus and see what are their differences

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OpenModelica logo OpenModelica

OpenModelica – A Free Modelica Environment!

Aspen Plus logo Aspen Plus

Maximize profits using a plant-wide simulation solution that combines unparalleled accuracy and engineering collaboration with time-saving workflows.
  • OpenModelica Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19
  • Aspen Plus Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-30

OpenModelica features and specs

  • Open Source
    OpenModelica is an open-source tool, meaning it is free to use and modify. This allows for extensive customization and community support.
  • Modelica Standard Compliance
    OpenModelica supports the Modelica language, which is a standardized, object-oriented language for modeling complex systems.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    The tool is available for various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, providing flexibility for users across different platforms.
  • Extensive Libraries
    OpenModelica provides access to a wide range of built-in libraries for different domains, such as mechanical, electrical, and thermal systems.
  • Community and Support
    There is an active community of users and developers who contribute to the continuous improvement of OpenModelica and offer support via forums and mailing lists.

Possible disadvantages of OpenModelica

  • User Interface
    The user interface is not as polished or user-friendly as some commercial alternatives, which might make it challenging for beginners.
  • Documentation Quality
    While the tool is well-documented, some users find that the documentation could be more detailed and better structured.
  • Performance
    In some cases, the performance of OpenModelica may not match that of specialized commercial tools, especially for very large and complex models.
  • Learning Curve
    Due to the complexity of the Modelica language and the tool, there can be a steep learning curve for new users who are not already familiar with system modeling.
  • Limited Commercial Support
    As an open-source tool, OpenModelica may lack the level of dedicated commercial support and frequent updates that some users might expect from proprietary software.

Aspen Plus features and specs

  • Comprehensive Process Modeling
    Aspen Plus offers a robust suite of tools for simulating a wide range of chemical processes, making it ideal for detailed process modeling and optimization.
  • Advanced Thermodynamic Models
    The software includes a wide array of thermodynamic models that accurately represent the physical and chemical properties of substances involved in diverse processes.
  • Integration Capabilities
    Aspen Plus can be integrated with other tools and databases, facilitating seamless data exchange and comprehensive analysis across multiple industrial functions.
  • Large User Community
    Aspen Plus is widely used in the industry, providing a vast community for support, resource sharing, and collaboration.
  • High Customizability
    Users can customize their simulations using scripting and user-added functionality to address specific needs.

Possible disadvantages of Aspen Plus

  • Expensive Licensing
    Aspen Plus comes with a high licensing cost, which may be prohibitive for smaller companies or academic institutions.
  • Steep Learning Curve
    Due to its complexity and vast features, new users may find it challenging to learn and effectively use without significant training.
  • Complex Interface
    The user interface can be overwhelming for beginners due to its complexity and the number of available options.
  • Resource Intensive
    Running simulations on Aspen Plus can be resource-intensive, requiring powerful computer hardware to ensure efficient operation.
  • Annual Maintenance Fees
    In addition to the initial cost, there are ongoing maintenance fees for software updates and support.

Analysis of OpenModelica

Overall verdict

  • Overall, OpenModelica is a strong choice for users seeking a cost-effective, open-source option for system modeling. Its robust features and active development community contribute to its high regard among users in both academic and industrial settings.

Why this product is good

  • OpenModelica is considered good due to its open-source nature, which allows for customization and flexibility. It supports a wide range of modeling capabilities, especially for multi-domain physical systems. The software is constantly updated by a large community of researchers and developers, who provide support and share improvements. Additionally, it is compliant with the Modelica language, making it a versatile choice for those familiar with Modelica's capabilities.

Recommended for

  • Researchers and academics in need of an open-source tool for detailed system modeling.
  • Engineers and developers familiar with the Modelica language looking for a versatile modeling environment.
  • Organizations and individuals seeking a cost-effective alternative to commercial modeling software.

OpenModelica videos

+ Add

Simulacion Openmodelica Control de Tanques

More videos:

  • Review - Modelica - Graphical modeling of electric circuits with OpenModelica

Aspen Plus videos

+ Add

Quick Review of Aspen Plus Simulation Software

More videos:

  • Review - Unboxing and Assembly of NCM Aspen Plus

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to OpenModelica and Aspen Plus)

OpenModelica

Aspen Plus

Technical Computing
49 49%
Technical Computing
51% 51
Numerical Computation
52 52%
Numerical Computation
48% 48
Simulation Software
50 50%
Simulation Software
50% 50
Simulation
100 100%
Simulation
0% 0

User comments

Share your experience with using OpenModelica and Aspen Plus. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, OpenModelica seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 7 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

OpenModelica mentions (7)

  • Modelica
    Obligatory mention to Openmodelica[1] which is an open source implementation based on the Modelica language. While I haven't used it yet, I was planning on exploring some of the features this holiday. [1] https://openmodelica.org/. - Source: Hacker News / 6 months ago
  • An open source, educational, low-cost modern analog computer
    I have used https://openmodelica.org/. It's another one of those "invest substantial time understanding what they are doing, and you will likely be rewarded." Simple things are simple, but I found it took longer than I would have like to bang out e.g. a PID algo with a particular motor and load. If you want to try this, buy the book, and follow it to the end. Then keep learning, as you build more and more... - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
  • Best software for parallel robot simulation?
    If the robot simulation doesn't need to pick up stuff or take into account changing contacts with other objects you can use Modelica's Multibody library which you can run for free with OpenModelica. This will be more accurate than other simulators because modelica can analytically solve the dynamics equations. You don't need to write them either just to connect blocks for various components. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Anyone know if python can be used to make a MATLAB simulink clone (dragging and dropping elements)? If not, do you have recommendations of other languages that can do this best to make a desktop app?
    OpenModelica consists of a combination of graphical and written components to simulate dynamic systems. I don’t know what control system feature set might be available. AMESIM is a more extensive paid tool that operates on the same Modelica modeling language. IIRC, at least Simuscape operates on Modelica under the hood. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Just introduced to diffeq last year. Curious how to go about modeling something like this.
    It shouldn't be too difficult to model in Modelica. You could approximate the pendula in 1D with masses on springs or just use Modelica's multibody library. Source: over 2 years ago
View more

Aspen Plus mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Aspen Plus yet. Tracking of Aspen Plus recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing OpenModelica and Aspen Plus, you can also consider the following products

Pspice - OrCAD PSpice technology provides the best, high-performance circuit simulation to analyze and refine your circuits, components, and parameters before committing to layout and fabrication

DWSIM - DWSIM is an open-source CAPE-OPEN compliant chemical process simulator for Windows and Linux.

Oregano - oregano - An electrical engineering tool for GNOME

COCO Simulator - COCO (CAPE-OPEN to CAPE-OPEN) is a free-of-charge CAPE-OPEN compliant steady-state simulation...

Solve Elec - Solve Elec is a free educational program to draw and analyze electrical circuits.

CHEMCAD - We equip chemical engineers with integrated and intuitive process simulation software to tackle projects large and small. Discover how CHEMCAD can help you design, analyze and measure simple and complex processes like never before.

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