At ABB Process Industries, Digitalo’s simulator boxes are used for testing relay configurations in industrial customer projects. These simulations enable live testing early in the programming phase, allowing faults to be detected well before the relays reach customer sites.
ABB Process Industries specializes in comprehensive electrification, automation, and digital solutions, along with industry-specific products and lifecycle services, for high-, medium- and low-voltage industrial projects within the process industries, both in Finland and internationally. When programmable relays were introduced in the early 2000’s, ABB Process Industries sought simulators to test their new relay configurations in-house. They discovered Digitalo’s simulators being used by a neighboring ABB division, the relay factory, and ordered several for their own use.
The primary advantage of Digitalo’s simulators lies in their versatility. They can be deployed not only within ABB facilities but also at the factories of process technology providers involved in industrial projects. At these locations, the simulators can interact directly with the providers’ networks, simulating real-world scenarios to ensure the relay programming is accurate and reliable.
“By using the simulator, relay configurations can be tested well before the relay is sent to site. Nowadays, relays are many times connected by a communication bus to an upper-level control system. Together, our engineer and the control system engineer can test at an early programming stage, alarms, measurements and controls between the relay and the control system at the supplier’s premises, rather than at the customer’s site,” explains Mika Luotonen, Project Engineer at ABB Process Industries.
Facilitating even complex challenges
Digitalo’s simulators now come in portable, professionally-designed suitcases, making them easy to transport to collaboration partners, trade fairs, or any other location. Luotonen sees significant potential for Digitalo’s simulators in the future, including their configurations with other relay systems beyond their current use. He commends Digitalo for their expertise and ability to tackle even highly complex tasks. His colleague, Technical Product Manager Jani Yliaho, echoes this sentiment:
“I can sincerely recommend Digitalo. Our collaboration has been successful. Their expertise, built on decades of experience with simulators, helps us save both time and money at customer sites,” says Yliaho.