Drive technology is now going digital

In the NX Mechatronics Concept Designer (NX MCD), it is possible to define the mechanical design of the machine or plant, simulate the movement control as well as to define and test applications and the derivation of traversing profiles and cycles. The load requirements created in this way can then be imported into the SIZER project planning tool, in order to dimension the drive. The design of motors and gear units is therefore simplified permanently, while at the same time, developers benefit from more consistent data.

The assembly of control and system cabinets is time-consuming, a lot of reject materials are produced during machining and wiring. With the help of the EPLAN Pro Panel software, 3D control cabinet planning is possible, which optimizes the work steps and avoids unnecessary wiring off-cuts. Cable lengths can be calculated with millimeter precision, control cabinets dimensioned exactly. In addition, cut-outs and holes can be illustrated and mounting points added. The free provision of standardized, quality tested EPLAN macros therefore saves time and money.

To virtualize drive systems in the design phase, SINAMICS DriveSim Basic offers a drive model for SINAMICS converters that’s easy to import into market-standard simulation programs. That means you can test drive behavior under realistic conditions right at the design stage.

The configurator for the drive technology (DT configurator) offers a simple and intuitive platform for the configuration of drive technology products and systems, including comprehensive documentation (data sheets, CAD, etc.) and integration into the Siemens Industry Mall. Beginners are assisted by preselectors. Experts can start with product selection immediately. All benefit from the simpler, faster compilation of drive technology products and systems.

The TIA selection tool is the only tool worldwide for continuous selection of automation technology and dimensioning of drive technology. Intelligent configurators and selection wizards make error-free configuration possible for non-experts also. With SIZER, motors, gear units and the complete drive train can be designed easily and conveniently in the concept, dimensioning and configuration phase. The extensive options for the project planning range from simple motor selection through to mechanical systems. And it is also possible to calculate complex dynamic load cycles and the electrical DC link power with SIZER.

Pumps and fans and their drive systems make a relevant contribution to industrial energy consumption. Here SinaSave is a fast and easy decision-making aid for the investment in the most economically viable drive concept. Because with the SinaSave energy efficiency tool, the energy saving potential and payback periods of SIMOTICS motors and SINAMICS converters can be determined based on individual use conditions.

Using SINAMICS DriveSim Basic, you can simulate and adapt converter behavior in machines and systems as part of design projects under realistic conditions. At the press of a button, this library gives users verified and validated digital twins of the drive technology hardware they’re using.

SINAMICS Startdrive is a uniform engineering platform in the TIA portal for fast and simple implementation of drive applications. With continuous functions, the integrated drive control and clear safety parameterization, including guided acceptance tests, integrating drives becomes child’s play. This ensures less engineering work, simpler drive connection and faster commissioning.

The SINAMICS Web server, together with the SINAMICS Smart Access Module, enables the mobile commissioning of frequency converters. The SINAMICS G120 and V20 converter series can therefore be configured via WLAN using mobile devices (smartphone, tablet, laptop). The intuitively operable user interface and menu navigation ensure a short commissioning time and convenient monitoring of the converter data.

The SINAMICS IOP-2 is an intelligent control panel for local serial commissioning of several converters. Its intuitive user interface with integrated wizards makes it easier to adjust settings during operation. Thanks to the intelligent device design as well as the integrated USB port, the control panel is open for updates and the adding of functions.

The SIOS app simplifies and accelerates the project planning and commissioning: It can be used, for example, to call up manuals, instructions, technical documentation and application examples, 24/7 and from anywhere. By scanning the respective product and EAN codes, all product-specific technical and graphic data are also displayed, for example, CAx data. The data can also be sent by email for further processing. That reduces effort and errors.

The SIMOTICS digital data app supplies technical data on the motors of the SIMOTICS GP/SD series, quickly and easily. Simply scan the DataMatrix code on the drive concerned and spare parts lists, operating instructions, etc. are available immediately. For easier commissioning, faster assembly and optimized service. Available for Apple iOS and Android.

SINAMICS Startdrive makes the user friendliness of the TIA portal, so highly valued by users, available for drive technology also: In this way, converters in the SINAMICS G and SINAMICS S series can also be controlled and parameterized. The uniform operating concept, the elimination of unnecessary interfaces and the short familiarization period ensure a significant efficiency gain. In addition, it makes access to the entire automation hardware possible via a single tool.

The SINAMICS Web server, together with the SINAMICS Smart Access Module allows frequency converters to be operated and monitored during operation using mobile devices. All parameters and settings can be recorded, kept in view, saved and shared quickly. Maintenance and monitoring during ongoing operation are therefore easier and more flexible than ever before.

The flat SINAMICS IOP-2 control panel makes it easier to operate and set the SINAMICS G frequency converters locally during operation. With it, drive functions such as start/stop, default setpoint or change in direction of rotation can be set or changed conveniently in situ or product information on the current SINAMICS-G drive system can be called up.

The SINAMICS CONNECT and SIMOTICS CONNECT connectivity modules complement the standard MindConnect portfolio and connect converters and motors to the cloud-based open IoT operating system, MindSphere. They capture all relevant data of the drive components directly in the drive train, transfer them into the cloud and thus create the basis for higher productivity and reduced maintenance requirements.

The Drive System Framework securely connects the drive systems to Siemens’ Industrial Edge platform and also processes high-frequency drive data of up to 8 kHz. Data flow and processing are bidirectional, meaning that not only drive data is read and transferred to the edge platform, but that data from the edge device is also written to the drives in order, for example, to modify parameters or perform a firmware update on the converter.

Using the CMS1200 Condition Monitoring System, you can constantly monitor the entire low-voltage drive train with maximum accuracy while it’s in operation. By measuring mechanical fluctuations across multiple sensors right at particular points in the drive train, you can accurately identify impending problems and damage at a very early stage. That means you can take effective action quickly to prevent a system outage and damage, thus improving your system availability.

With SINAMICS Startdrive for SINAMICS G and SINAMICS S series converters, a uniform engineering platform is available in the TIA portal for fast, consistent system diagnosis of drive applications. The system messages are displayed in the TIA portal, web server, HMI and in the PLC as plain text. The powerful trace in case of errors records individual parameters for diagnostics. The result: Short downtimes in case of error, fast troubleshooting and thus high overall availability.

The SINAMICS IOP-2 simplifies local diagnosis and service for the SINAMICS G converter series: The flat control panel assists fast diagnosis through plain text display. In addition, it enables a two-dimensional code (data matrix/QR code) to be created for easy access to product information, documentation, FAQs and contacts using tablet PCs and smartphones, as well as making it easy to contact customer support by scanning the code using the Siemens industry online support app.

The SIOS app not only simplifies the search for nearby contacts, but also the sending of inquiries to the technical support from anywhere: The product-related detail information can be completed conveniently using the scan or photo function. In addition, the technical forum can be browsed through for tips and to contact other users. By scanning the respective product and EAN codes, all corresponding technical and graphic data are also displayed, for example, CAx data. They can be sent by email for further processing.

The SINAMICS Smart Access Module, the web server-based operator panel with wireless client connection, enables the mobile diagnostics and mobile service of frequency converters. It shows the status of the inputs and outputs (analog/digital), informs about current alarm and error messages and thus ensures fast, location-independent converter diagnosis.

The MindSphere Analyze MyDrives application for low-voltage drive systems records all relevant operating data, and evaluates and visualizes them. Unlike rigid maintenance concepts, in this way the actual maintenance requirement can be determined and critical machine states can be displayed proactively. For better machine capacity utilization, higher productivity and optimized energy efficiency.

The MindSphere SIDRIVE IQ Fleet application for low-voltage motors records and monitors the drive data of individual machines or whole fleets. By analyzing the motor operating data, the performance and availability of the entire fleet can be increased and at the same time, maintenance work is reduced.

Our Digital Drive System Services help your company in its digital transformation. We support you throughout with everything from digitalization checks and implementing the connectivity of your drives and motors to predictive services. The result is greater availability, productivity and maintenance efficiency for your drive systems. Take advantage of a number of offerings that can be used on a modular basis to meet your needs. With their extensive digitalization expertise and in-depth industry knowledge, our experts can support you in becoming a digital enterprise.

The CMS1200 Condition Monitoring System enables predictive maintenance for your entire low-voltage drive train. Using multiple sensors distributed along the drive train to record mechanical fluctuations, causes can be located and identified very early and very accurately. As a result, you can determine precisely whether an imbalance, resonance, bearing damage, or an error in the electrical field is developing, for example. That makes it easier to plan maintenance activities and simplifies the spare parts supply process.