Drives-based platform will allow users to create custom applications
14 November 2024 
ABB has unveiled an open software platform that is integrated into its drives’ operating systems, allowing users to create, validate and implement customised control and analysis applications in programming environments such as Matlab/Simulink or C++. Called the ABB Crealizer, the platform interacts in real time and can access high-resolution real-time data for analytics and other applications. It made its debut at the SPS exhibition in Germany.
“The ABB Crealizer is able to accelerate digitalisation processes in companies,” says Daniel Wyss, ABB System Drives’ digital lead. “The software platform offers customers from different industries the possibility of flexible programming, easy testing, prototyping and quick and easy integration.
“Companies today must be able to adapt quickly to changing conditions,” he adds. “The ABB Crealizer integrated into our drives is a software platform that supports this by reducing risk, lowering system costs, and shortening time-to-market. And all this while protecting the systems and processes through high cybersecurity.”
The Crealizer has been designed to complement existing approaches to customisation, adaptive programming and IEC programming, offering a more powerful variant. The use of flexible programming environments, rapid prototyping and short iteration cycles will enable the rapid launch of innovative applications, ABB says. These applications can be validated using simulations.
Users of the platform will be able to work together with other experts to solve challenging problems at the system level, or adopt ready-made applications supplied by ABB and its partners.
ABB says that the platform will allow supervisory PLC systems to be simplified, with advanced control logic implemented on the drive. Fieldbus and OPC UA models can be customised to allow data interoperability, with easy integration. Users will also be able to create their own test applications to speed up commissioning.
One potential use for the new platform is active vibration control, which will dampen vibrations in a drivetrain in real time – in a similar way to noise-cancelling systems in headphones. This will allow drives to be used across their entire speed ranges, and because vibrations will be reduced, the service lives will be longer.
New functions can also be implemented to detect anomalies, or for predictive maintenance. For example, the ageing of crane ropes could be mapped based on high-resolution torque and other stress factors, allowing the ropes to be replaced only when necessary. This, in turn, could cut maintenance costs.
Other potential applications suggested by ABB include:
- saving energy by implementing no-load detection on conveyors;
- replacing old drives without needing to touch the overriding PLC system;
- creating automated test sequences to tune machines;
- using the drive as a sensor and performing Fast Fourier Transformations on the signals;
- monitoring motor efficiency and tuning systems in real time;
- detecting anomalies in drive cooling systems;
- using adaptive vibration control to extend operating ranges and prolong system lives; and
- implementing advanced energy management systems with rapid reaction times.
