NORD Drivesystems, a leading company in drive technology, has recently announced the introduction of digital twins for system development. This innovative offering allows users to request individually created drive systems as simulation models, based on a myNORD configuration. This development is expected to give engineers the opportunity to assess the viability of drive concepts for a system early in the planning phase. More importantly, virtual commissioning can considerably reduce project time, even for intricate systems. Source: NORD Drivesystems.
Embracing Simulation Models
Since the introduction of the Functional Mock-up Interface (FMI) technical standard a decade ago, the use of simulation models in system planning has gained mainstream acceptance. NORD Drivesystems has been at the forefront of this trend, using data-driven simulations to develop its components and drive solutions. The company is now leveraging this expertise to help customers increase the efficiency and availability of their drive systems from the planning stage via a digital service. The availability of digital twins of its drives allows NORD to facilitate virtual commissioning.
NORD’s Diverse Range of Drives
NORD Drivesystems, established in 1965, boasts a workforce of almost 4,700 employees and a long history of developing, producing, and selling drive technologies. The company, based in Bargteheide, Germany, offers a variety of drive solutions ranging from standard drives to application-specific concepts for special requirements such as energy-saving drives or explosion-protected systems. NORD’s wide-ranging portfolio includes drives for over 100 industries and gearboxes for torques from 10 Nm to over 282 kNm. The company also provides electric motors in the power range of 0.12 kW to 1,000 kW, along with the necessary power electronics with frequency inverters up to 160 kW.
Benefits of Digital Twins
The myNORD customer portal allows users to configure drive systems or components according to their unique requirements. They can choose components and their characteristics, such as performance, mounting options, or outputs. Developers can then request a simulation model for the fully configured drive system. This process was developed in partnership with Machineering, a Munich-based software company specializing in virtual commissioning. The use of digital twins can significantly speed up system availability, according to NORD. The models are introduced into a simulated system in the same manner, providing an environment where disk configurations can be thoroughly tested.
Any necessary adjustments can be easily implemented based on the data, allowing errors to be corrected in the early stages of development. This helps to avoid potential damage. NORD only manufactures and delivers the drive system once the customer has validated the virtual drive system. Since the drives are already functionally integrated into the system control, effective commissioning can be completed within a very short time. NORD states that this process can reduce the overall time from configuration to commissioning from months to just weeks.
NORD has already made its high-efficiency IE5+ motors available virtually. Virtual commissioning of drive systems is particularly useful for technically demanding solutions, as stated by NORD. As such, the company focuses on components that have a significant role in the automation of production processes. Initially, the manufacturer is launching virtual commissioning with its range of high-efficiency IE5+ and IE4 motors, along with the corresponding gearboxes and frequency inverters. Simulation models for other NORD product areas are expected to gradually become available.
With continued developments in technology, NORD Drivesystems continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving the efficiency and availability of drive systems right from the planning stage. The introduction of digital twins for system development is a testament to this commitment and a significant step towards the future of drive technology. For more information, click here.
