The concept of the digital twin has become increasingly prominent in recent times. Its constant presence within marketing measures has led to the emergence of different understandings of the digital twin. Although there is no uniform definition to date, every institution, company or person should create a uniform understanding of the term within their own sphere of influence. Dunkermotoren and its brand Nexofox understand the digital twin as an information pool of the respective real engine. For Nexofox, the digital twin is not a virtual digital image of an engine that is as close to reality as possible, but a type of universally applicable tool that is particularly characterized by its manufacturer-independent use. The drive technology manufacturer shares this view with the Open Industry 4.0 Alliance and the IDTA.

The central element for this is the Asset Administration Shell (AAS), which Dunkermotoren and Nexofox are actively shaping and developing within the Open Industry 4.0 Alliance. The administration shell ensures that a wide variety of assets can be directly integrated into one another via models and submodels. Furthermore, the digital twin gives customers the opportunity to access all engine-relevant information via a central structure. This means that Dunkermotoren and Nexofox customers are provided with documents such as the correct operating instructions, the right software for commissioning or the webshop link for ordering spare parts at short notice. An additional benefit of using the digital twin is the centralized provision of all relevant documents at a central storage location. The digitally available information will continue to expand in the future. For example, information on production, including the materials used, live information during operation or information on optimized use of the engine could be provided.

Integrate further services

In principle, however, there is virtually no limit. Thanks to the aforementioned possibility of fully integrating different administration shells into one another, the central access location does not change, even with different components. Other digital services from Nexofox, such as the diagnostics tool, can be integrated within the digital twin. Smooth integration is achieved by developing within the structure of the asset administration shell. The more promising added value that comes with this understanding of the digital twin is the creation of significantly greater transparency. This transparency can be achieved by providing data such as the amount of_CO2 emitted during production or the origin of the materials used within the engines. Nexofox can use this data to support its customers on the path towards seamless documentation of their end products - keyword supply chain law and full material declaration.

The experts at Dunkermotoren and Nexofox are driven by the desire to use as few resources and raw materials as possible in order to minimize the impact on our environment. With sustainability in mind, they want to support their customers in this important area. With the digital twin in particular, Nexofox wants to contribute to the optimized and resource-saving use of Dunkermotoren's highly efficient motors. The data required for sustainable and environmentally friendly engine operation can be made available to customers quickly and easily thanks to the AAS setup. Dunkermotoren is working with the Nexofox brand to provide the_{CO2 footprint} of the respective engines within the digital twin. In addition to the_{CO2 data} during the production and ongoing operation of the engines, data on the origin of the materials used is also digitally disclosed and made available.

Optimization of energy consumption

For Dunkermotoren and Nexofox, however, the information described represents only part of the relevant data on the topic of sustainability. Other data, such as the power consumption of an individual engine during use or the cumulative value across an entire fleet, are also part of a holistic approach to sustainability. This basic level can be expanded at any time with additional software services from Nexofox at the customer's request. Suggestions for optimizing the current engine operation are another upcoming development. These optimizations are made on the basis of actual usage and aim to ensure more sustainable and resource-saving use of the engines. Intelligent algorithms will be used to determine which motor setting, for example, consumes the smallest possible amount of energy without compromising performance. However, the decision to make use of such optimization is up to the customer. By combining the digital twin, Dunkermotoren and additional Nexofox services, the two brands can offer their customers a better overall package that goes beyond the actual drive technology.

One of the biggest side effects is the more efficient use of existing resources, thereby reducing the burden on the environment. The experts at Nexofox are certain that their customers, like themselves, will become even more concerned with the topic of sustainability in the future. One sign of this is the new CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive), which will be mandatory for large companies regardless of their legal form as early as the 2023 reporting year. By integrating sustainability aspects into the digital twin, customers are supported in preparing a sustainability report. The information required for this is made accessible and can be called up at any time. Together with the administration shell of the Open Industry 4.0 Alliance, Dunkermotoren and Nexofox are paving the way for the transparent and sustainable use of smart motors in customized automation applications.

Hall 7, Stand 7218