A Profinet Simulator for the Digital Twin of Networked Electrical Drive Systems

Modern industrial manufacturing plants, especially those using coordinated electrical drives with strict timing requirements, make extensive use of real-time communication networks. These systems, typically, are based on various topologies, include diverse protocols, and connect devices from different manufacturers, which may make them difficult to study, plan and optimize. As a solution, the adoption of digital twins allows to simulate such systems under various operating conditions in a low-cost and zero-risk environment. In this paper we address the digital twin of a networked electrical drive system, focusing on the real-time communication network used to connect the drives. In particular, we describe the simulation model of Profinet IO RT Class 1, implemented as an extension of the INET library of OMNeT++. Moreover, we present the outcomes of the tests carried out on a prototype simulated network and compare them with those of the equivalent real one.