Nord Introduces Digital Twin and Virtual Commissioning Technology

Creating a virtual twin or simulating a new system enables designers to trial different scenarios to see how the system performs. Drive systems for electric motors can be sized using mathematics, but once loads are applied to the system, it might not perform as expected.

Nord Drivesystems, a global supplier of electric asynchronous or synchronous AC motors, gear motors, and motor drives, has added the ability to simulate newly configured motor drive components with its new digital twin and virtual commissioning technology.

Infographic showing a digital copy of a Nord drive system. Image used courtesy of Nord Drivesystems

What Is Virtual Commissioning?

A digital twin or virtual system is a digital copy of an actual, configured system that can be manipulated in a 3D virtual environment. Virtual commissioning is where control software is applied against the digital twin. By commissioning virtually, designers can run the system through various real-world scenarios while debugging control code.

Nord has enhanced its myNORD Online Customer Portal, where drive systems are configured, to allow requesting a digital copy of a newly configured drive. This virtual drive can then be programmed and operated using simulation software. The virtual system is an exact copy of the configured one, including performance, mounting options, and output power.

Digital Twinning and Simulation Technology

Nord designed its new digital twin and virtual commissioning technology in cooperation with Machineering GmbH & Co, based in Munich. Machineering is a software company that specializes in virtual commissioning software. It offers both simulation software packages for robotics and CNC machining, as well as the hardware to run the software.

Designed for machine builders, the company’s iPhysics is a virtual world that interacts with control software, CAD data, and robotics to provide a process-accompanying tool that lasts the lifetime of the machine.

Machine builders can use Machineering’s iPhysics virtual commissioning software to aid their design process. Image used courtesy of Machineering

CNC Simulation Application

A machining center will use various electric motors for positioning and driving cutting tools. The drive system that operates the cutting tool has a very hard job. Different tools and materials require different speeds and will put different strains on the system. This type of application cannot be calculated by traditional means.

By virtually commissioning the drive system and running it through different scenarios, designers can predict how the drive will respond, and even predict the life span of the system. If the configured system does not meet the requirements of the designers, components can be swapped out, and the simulation can be run again. This style of designing saves headaches on the assembly floor and even saves the company from upset customers.

By using simulation software, designers can spend more time being proactive instead of being reactive.