Digital twins shorten project times

Nord offers digital twins for plant development. Based on a myNord configuration, individually created drive systems can now be requested as simulation models. This allows engineers to check, even in the planning phase, whether the drive concept is suitable for the plant. Virtual commissioning significantly reduces project time – even for complex systems.

Since the publication of the FMI (Functional Mock-up Interface) technical standard in 2010, working with simulation models in plant planning has become increasingly prevalent. Nord Drivesystems also uses data-based simulations for the development of its components and drive solutions. The system provider is now building on this expertise to help its customers achieve greater efficiency and availability of their drive systems during the planning phase with a digital service: Nord enables virtual commissioning with digital twins of its drives.

Easy online configuration

Users can configure drive systems or components to their needs via the myNord customer portal, just as they normally would. They select components and their properties, such as performance, mounting options, outputs, and more, in detail. Customers can then request a simulation model for the fully configured drive system. Nord developed this process in collaboration with the Munich-based software company Machineering, which specializes in virtual commissioning.

Real commissioning in just a few weeks

The advantage of these digital twins of Nord solutions lies in significantly faster availability of the entire system. The simulation models are integrated into a simulated system. In this environment, the drive configurations can be thoroughly tested. If adjustments are necessary, they can be easily implemented using the data. This allows errors to be corrected at an early stage of development, preventing potential future damage. Nord only manufactures and delivers the virtual drive system once it has been validated by the customer. Since the drives are already functionally integrated into the system control at this point, real commissioning is possible within a very short time. The overall process from configuration to commissioning is thus reduced from several months to just a few weeks.

Highly efficient IE5+ motors already available virtually

Virtual commissioning of drive systems is particularly interesting for technically demanding solutions. Therefore, Nord is focusing primarily on components that play a crucial role in the automation of production processes. The manufacturer is initially launching virtual commissioning with its range of highly efficient IE5+ and IE4 motors, along with the associated gearboxes and frequency converters. Simulation models will then gradually become available for other Nord product areas as well.