Digital drive modeling: explore performance and tune before hardware

ABB’s simulation solutions portfolio plays a critical role in enhancing the performance, reliability, and efficiency of drive systems and complete automation setups across their lifecycle.

 

Whether through Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) or Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation, these tools empower engineers to:​

  • Design, test, and validate drive systems and control
  • Optimize performance without risking downtime or compromising safety​
  • Run simulations even before the real drive or system is built or deployed​

By enabling optimal dimensioning, pre-configuration, pre-testing, and PLC validation, ABB simulation products help reduce commissioning time and streamline troubleshooting. ​

The strategy behind these tools is driven by internal innovation and customer needs - delivering smarter, faster, and more resilient system development.​

Key features

Real firmware inside

Uses actual drive control firmware for accurate behaviour – not just a common-sense mock-up.

FMI co-simulation standard support

Seamlessly integrates into various simulation environments e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, Ansys Twinbuilder etc.

Baseline models provided

Example models with pre-set RatingIDs help you get started quickly (first run after receiving the installer <5 minutes). Build your application and just switch RatingID to update control parameters.

Subscription-based licensing

Package Virtual Drive Plus with your own services and support - and resell it to your customers.

Key benefits​

Best for: All-stage testing as long as control hardware is not concerned, ideal when cost-efficiency, flexibility and portability are key.

Validation​ uncertainty

Is the drive optimally configured? Will the system, including the drive, deliver the desired performance?

Risk-free​ testing

Can we test software changes safely?​ Can we optimize without interrupting operations?

Accelerate engineering​ and commissioning

Can we meet tight​ schedules confidently?​ Can we integrate control logics smoothly?

Customization validation

Will the systems’ overriding control work as intended?​ Will the Crealizer™ App function correctly in the target environment?

Use cases

•   In-depth analysis and prediction of drive behavior with standard or customized grids and loads under various conditions.

 

•   Supporting customized application development and testing (e.g. CrealizerTM).

 

•   Providing synthetic data for analytics and machine learning.

 

•   Training personnel virtually and learning drive technology.

Related content

ACS880 DriveLab

One of the next generation digital twin solutions in ABB’s simulation product portfolio for the ACS880 product family​. Runs on Typhoon HIL’s commercial simulator platform hardware in real time​. Designed for for Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulations.