Create a Parent Connection for parameters and variables

While in the Model Writing role, you can create Parent Connections for parameters and variables directly in the Parameters section and Variables section of the Model Editor, respectively.

The Parent Connection feature presents a more efficient way to connect parameters and variables at different model levels. Rather than explicitly defining connections between each level, the software automatically traverses the model hierarchy to create the appropriate connection. For example, consider the following model hierarchy with a parent model and two nested submodels:

If you need a parameter or variable from Parent Model A in Submodel 2, you must create two regular connections (from A to 1 and from 1 to 2) and must modify both Parent Model A and Submodel 1. Using the Parent Connection feature, you can directly make this same connection from Submodel 2 to Parent Model A without modifications to Parent Model A or Submodel 1.

To successfully make the connection, the parameter or variable must have the same name as the parameter or variable in the upper-level model. Typically, you use this feature to connect submodel parameters and variables to their counterparts in the parent model. The connection can span multiple model levels if required, as shown in the preceding example. That is, the parent model for the connection does not need to be directly above it in the model hierarchy.

The software searches the model hierarchy by using a bottom-up approach. That is, it first searches the closest parent model for a parameter or variable of that same name. If it finds the parameter or variable in the parent model, it connects the values. If it doesn't find the parameter or variable, it searches the model at the next level above the last searched model. In this way, you can also connect to flowsheet parameters and variables, which reside at the highest level in the model hierarchy.

Create a Parent Connection for parameters

1. Ensure that the Model Writing role is selected. See Roles, Roles.

2. Open the Model Editor for the desired Model Type.

3. Expand the Parameters section.

4. Select the Parent Connection icon for each parameter that you want to connect to a parameter of the same name in the parent model.

Create a Parent Connection for variables

5. Ensure that the Model Writing role is selected. See Roles, Roles.

6. Open the Model Editor for the desired Model Type.

7. Expand the Variables section.

8. Select the Parent Connection icon for each variable that you want to connect to a variable of the same name in the parent model.