planning, simulation, virtual commissioning

PLANNING, SIMULATION, VIRTUAL COMMISSIONING 3D SIMULATION SOFTWARE

fe.screen-sim© – a product of the F.EE Company Group

OUR EXPERIENCE IS YOUR SECURITY

fe.screen-sim is a quality product of the F.EE Company Group. With its currently 900 employees, F.EE is one of the German market leaders in production and automation technology. The company is active in the global growth markets of the investments goods industry, the energy sector as well as engineering and services, and has a very successful track record in providing tailor-made solutions and products and services that are customized to customer needs, with its four divisions of “Elektrotech Engineering”, “Automation Robotik”, “In-

ELEKTROTECH ENGINEERING

2

AUTOMATION ROBOTIK

formatik + Systeme” and “Energietechnik”. These business divisions generally operate independently from each other on the market. Beside the worldwide automotive industry and its components suppliers medium-sized companies of the most different branches as well as energy providers, municipalities and power plant operators also count to the F.EE-clientele. Stateof-the-art technical equipment, competence, flexibility and long-standing know-how are counted among the strengths of the F.EE Company Group.

ENERGIETECHNIK

INFORMATIK + SYSTEME

fe.screen-sim OVERVIEW

PAGE 5: Different systems in one environment PAGE 4:

PAGE 6:

fe.screen-sim – Virtual commissioning at the highest level

Overview of the individual components PAGE 7:

PAGE 13:

fe.screen-sim – Core

fe.screen-sim – Logic Creator

PAGE 8:

PAGE 12:

fe.screen-sim – HMI-Editor

fe.screen-sim – Library

PAGE 9:

PAGE 11:

fe.screen-sim – Roboter Interface EKS RF Suite

PAGE 14:

fe.screen-sim – Interaction

Interfaces and memory data

PAGE 10: fe.screen-sim – Unity 3D Viewer & Unity 3D Viewer Oculus

PAGE 15: Benefits and services

3

fe.screen-sim VIRTUAL COMMISSIONING AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL

The rising level of complexity in automation technology coupled with increasingly shorter commissioning times represents a major challenge for companies. Increasingly high variability along with continuously decreasing costs – these are the demands of customers for modern machinery and equipment. These cannot be met without the use of simulation tools. Only by means of virtual commissioning can quality assurance take place even before completion of the electrical and mechanical

components. With fe.screen-sim, an indispensable tool has been developed that allows the modeling of facilities in a simulation environment, where the simulation can subsequently be used throughout the entire life cycle of the facility. The simulation allows high-quality planning thanks to a comprehensive configuration check, facilitates software development as well as testing of control programs and can be used for conversions and trainings after the initial commissioning.

fe.screen-sim impresses with its ease of use and the powerful physical computing system. Modeling facilities in the simulation is intuitive, fast and targetoriented and can also be learned within only a few hours. Since fe.screen-sim has been developed by an experienced software development team from the field of plant engineering and has been successfully used for years in the F.EE Company Group, it satisfies the requirements of the automation sector like hardly any other product on the market.

SIMULATION BENEFITS: • Cost savings by reducing on-site commissioning time. • Better staff training opportunities on the virtual facility model. • Transmitting tests to third parties in video format as a proof of function. • Execution of prototype and feasibility analyses. • Use of the simulation model as a discussion platform, since a representation of the complete range of functions with recognition value takes place.

4

planning, simulation, virtual commissioning

DIFFERENT SYSTEMS IN ONE ENVIRONMENT

fe.screen-sim allows the simulation of complex facilities with several hundred conveyor elements, be it a floor conveyor system, an electric monorail system, a large warehouse or a robot. The most varied systems can be combined in one environment. fe.screen-sim contains all the basic building blocks for creating any subcomponents of the facility. Of particular note is the user-friendliness of the program that allows the creation of simulations without a huge training effort.

The physical system of fe.screen-sim allows you to obtain a very impressive result with minimal preparation effort and maximum precision. A vast advantage of fe.screen-sim is that no switch is required between the preparation phase and the test phase during virtual commissioning. The position, number, size and orientation can always be adjusted without a restart of a component. There is only one mode of operation with fe.screen-sim – productivity mode.

Scan the above QR Code and experience fe.screen-sim “in action” on our YouTube channel! You will also find current simulation videos of the various systems.

A variety of options with fe.screen-sim: a simulation of a floor conveyor system (left), a warehouse (center) and an electric monorail system (right).

5

OVERVIEW OF THE INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS

Interaction Logic Creator

Roboter Interface EKS RF Suite

Bibliothek

Library

Core & 3D-Editor

Unity 3D Viewer

HMI-Editor 3D-Viewer (+ Oculus)

Unity 3D Viewer Oculus

6

fe.screen-sim – CORE: THE CENTERPIECE OF THE PROGRAM

The Core is the centerpiece of fe.screen-sim. Every other application connects to the Core, causing the possible interaction latitude to expand enormously. The Core manages and computes everything that is in the simulation facility and thus provides the client with

finished data. This allows complete industrial facilities to be emulated and used in a system. The Core is always available for running simulations and interactions. Inserting a new element or adjusting positions – everything is possible at any time. This speeds up the creation and validation process of the virtual facility. In addition, the Core

forms the connection center to the controls. Each signal interaction is made from the Core, thus establishing a clear and clean connection with the controls – directly and without additional hardware, or on request with the “SIMBA box” by Siemens.

A NEW FEATURE of fe.screen-sim V3 . . . . . . is the multi-user capability of the application. This is made possible through the sim Core which hosts all the computations of the simulation. The Core can run on any computer other sim applications are connecting with. A simulation model can be operated in parallel via the network at any time. Users thus decide which sim applications they want to run and in which numbers.

7

fe.screen-sim – HMI-EDITOR: TABULAR VIEW FOR MAXIMUM USER OPTIONS

The larger the facilities, the more massive the data volume to be managed. With the HMI-Editor, fe.screen-sim provides a tool that allows easy handling even of large data volumes. Interactive

The tabular view in the HMI-Editor.

8

tables with search and sorting functions as well as customizable searches make it possible to find the element to be processed quickly and without any further substantial search. The data are displayed in tabular form, thus increasing the user options in the 3D view.

fe.screen-sim – ROBOTER INTERFACE EKS RF SUITE: ROBOT-SIMULATION – PRECISE AND REALISTIC

The collaboration with our partner EKS has made possible simulating robots, including collision detection, in fe.screensim. To this end, the data from the EKS program “RobSim” is directly imported into fe.screen-sim and passed on to the virtual robot.

Since the definition of material paths is not necessary, both time and cost can be reduced. The physical system in the Core takes over the precise and realistic simulation of the transport. Precondition for using this application is a “RobSim” license.

Robot simulation with fe.screen-sim.

9

fe.screen-sim – UNITY 3D VIEWER & UNITY 3D VIEWER OCULUS: NEW IMPRESSIVE DISPLAY FORMATS

Participating in a simulation facility without installing a program? This can be realized with the “Unity 3D Viewers” just by specifying the Core IP address. Several navigation options are available – with mouse and keyboard or via a controller. Any number of viewers can therefore view the simulation at any

time – with their own point of view and their own position selection. Interactions with conveyed goods or 3D buttons are possible as well, whereby the viewer also represents the ideal solution for control tests. Multiple virtual commissioning engineers can perform their tests simultaneously – without interfering with each other.

Facility simulation with the “Unity 3D Viewer Oculus”.

10

The “Unity 3D Viewer Oculus” allows an immersion into the simulation by means of Oculus 3D glasses, thereby opening up an entirely new form of presentation. Sizes and spacing can be better estimated than by viewing on the monitor. Virtual Reality is finding its way into facility simulation – you will be impressed!

fe.screen-sim – INTERACTION: A VARIETY OF OPTIONS FOR THE SIMULATION OF CONTROL ELEMENTS

The “Interaction” software package provides additional user support during the virtual commissioning of the facility. The user can dynamically set up predefined graphic buttons for the simulation of facility controls – such as buttons and switches – at runtime and position these in different operating panels so as to obtain better element structuring. This allows e. g. simulating complete facility operating consoles and control cabinets. On the one hand, the “Interaction” application can be used in combination with the Core, thus allowing an assignment of the variables from the existing PLC connection to the buttons. On the other hand, it can also be used independently from the other software packages in order to establish an independent connection to the PLC via the “Interaction” application. Thus the programmer is provided with an additional option for the reproduction of facility control elements – independent of a simulation.

Control elements: created with the “Interaction” software package.

11

fe.screen-sim – LIBRARY: SIMPLE OBJECT DEFINITION AND COMBINATION OF SIMULATION MODELS

The main task of the Library is to combine simulation models with one another and to define these as a new object. In this case, already existing elements and new models with a wide

Definition of an object in the Library.

12

variety of structures, sizes and scales are used. The Library simplifies the parameterization of individual values and gives

the user the ability to generate complex sub-facilities as a new object. After a Library instance has been created, it can be integrated in simulation projects by any user as needed.

fe.screen-sim – LOGIC CREATOR: EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS THROUGH USER-DEFINED SEQUENCING LOGIC

Using the newly developed supplementary program “Logic Creator”, userdefined sequencing logics – for instance one’s own motor logics – can be created and subsequently used in the simulation.

The function blocks, which are stored and loaded in a readable XML format, can be managed using the Library. This offers the advantage that once-defined

function blocks can be reused in several projects, increasing work sequence effectiveness and optimally satisfying automation technology requirements.

The definition of the logic is done via an intuitive graphical interface. The user is supported in the creation of complicated sequences by predefined standard modules. The representation is based on the Function Block Diagram which facilitates usability and incorporation into the Logic Creator. The interface to the simulation can be freely determined by means of predefined data types. In addition, the assignment of simulation object properties and PLC variables is possible. In addition, complete logic sequences can be created by means of function blocks, with the simulation of previously defined sequences – e. g. from third-party facilities – being possible by means of function modules.

The user interface of the newly developed supplementary program “Logic Creator”.

13

INTERFACES AND MEMORY DATA

Importing interface variables Defined variables from Step 7 and TIA can be imported directly into fe.screen-sim. In the course of the assignment, the user is supported by an assignment tool through which the connections between simulation elements and PLC variables can be automatically established via significant names. Of course, creating new or adapting existing communication variables is possible at any time.

Import interface for PLC variables.

Representation of an XML code.

14

Memory files in XML Storage of fe.screen-sim memory files takes place in XML format, whereby the files can be stored in a readable way and adjusted by the software users at any time. This enables generating complete facilities with self-written tools (e. g. from Excel). We will be happy to assist you in preparing generation applications for fe.screen-sim.

BENEFITS AND SERVICES

THE BENEFITS OF OUR SIMULATION SOFTWARE AT A GLANCE: • Intuitive and easy usability. • Multi-user capability. • High output and performance, making it possible to simulate even large facilities. • General cost savings through the reduction of commissioning times. • Verification and validation of the software (control and visualization) by means of virtual commissioning. • Possibility of preliminary software acceptance at the office desk and early detection of systematic software errors. • Optimization of complex software algorithms (e. g. shelf storage, colour sorting memory etc.). • Ability to perform tests of a wide range of process and problem scenarios and contingency strategies without production pressure. • New and innovative display options by means of the “Unity 3D Viewers”. • Open interfaces to other systems. • Efficiency through user-defined sequencing logic.

OUR SERVICES WILL CONVINCE YOU TOO! On customer request, the F.EE Company Group also provides the complete preparation and support for all necessary components of the virtual commissioning to customers: • Preparation of complete facility simulations according to customer requirements. • Support in the preparation of virtual facility models. • Preparation of project-specific models (even without CAD data being available). • Support in the optimization of CAD models for use in simulations. • Support during the implementation of virtual commissioning. • Development of training facilities for training and further education. Contact us and let our know-how convince you!

15

planning, simulation, virtual commissioning

04/2016

This document contains information that is protected by copyright. No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced or translated into another language without the prior written consent of F.EE. F.EE GmbH. All rights, errors and changes reserved. Other product names or trademarks mentioned in this document may be trademarks or registered trademarks of other companies and are the property of their respective owners. Image sources: www.istock.com, www.shutterstock.com.

F.EE Company Group In der Seugn 10 and 20 D-92431 Neunburg vorm Wald Tel.: +49 9672 506-0 Fax: +49 9672 506-139 www.facebook.com/fee.neunburg www.twitter.com/fee_gmbh

Preisträger 2014 | 2011 | 2008 | 2003

fe.screen-sim© – a product of the F.EE Company Group | [email protected] | www.fescreen-sim.de