Siemens has upgraded its Simit simulation platform for virtual commissioning and operator training with a new release. Version 9.1 enables Simit to also be used for virtual commissioning and operator training in modular plants, speeding up actual commissioning by as much as 60% and reducing unwanted standstill periods to a minimum, particularly during plant conversion and migration processes. Simit can also be used to implement a realistic operator training system. Version 9.1 comes with an array of innovations designed to improve operating convenience, support simulation modeling and contribute towards improved efficiency, openness and flexibility.

 

Simit enables real-time simulation and emulation for the comprehensive evaluation of automation solutions. Testing and optimisation can be carried out either using a real or a virtual automation system, the so-called virtual controller. Connection to Comos enables an end-to-end data flow between engineering and simulation, and provides the basis for creating a plant’s digital twin.

 

For improved convenience, in the current version 9.1 the Simit Unit Administration has now been integrated into the Simit user interface. Another benefit for users: A mouse click is all it takes to change quickly and easily between software and hardware-in-the-loop at any time. Configuration of PLCSIM Advanced coupling has also been simplified. The data required for interface configuration is imported from the engineering data of existing Simatic projects. Using PLCSIM Advanced, virtual controllers can be generated to simulate Simatic S7-1500 and ET 200SP controllers and used to perform extensive function simulation.

 

Simit offers various automatic modeling functions for simple, rapid simulation modeling. Simulation models and components can be automatically generated, for instance with the aid of template-based imported data. As a result of automatic modeling, practically fault-free simulations can quickly be generated. At the same time, the models and components are automatically parameterised, substantially reducing the outlay of time and costs. A new feature of Simit 9.1 is the ability to perform bulk engineering using spreadsheet calculation. Depending on the selected hierarchy level, it is possible to export the data to excel. The Simit import wizard enables automatic simulation modeling based on the respective templates.

 

The new Chem Basic Library is another new addition to Simit. It enables a rapid entry into project engineering using Simit by making available component types to the user, in particular for the simulation of pipeline networks in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. 

 

Simit Simulation Platform supports different communication interfaces and standards for extended data exchange between simulation and automation environments. Simit can use these to interact with other software applications or programs such as simulation software, or to exchange data with hardware controllers from different manufacturers. Version 9.1 of Simit now also supports the open communication standard OPC UA Client.

 

To improve efficiency, openness and flexibility, Simit 9.1 supports the current Simatic PCS 7 V9.0, Route Control for engineering, control and diagnostics of material transport, and Safety Matrix, the management tool for every phase of the safety lifecycle. The virtual controller now also simulates the new CPU 410E, the entry CPU for small applications.