NetLab

Test benches for technical systems, e.g. the powertrain of electric vehicles, have so far been implemented as complex, stationary, on-site facilities. The networking of test and test bench components across locations must solve problems, particularly in the areas of real-time transmission, safety (safety during operation of the systems) and security (security of the data), as well as observing standards for interfaces and protocols. The integration of vehicles via mobile networks (especially 5G), for example, is also relevant. The networking of systems is relevant for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as they usually have a high level of expertise for a sub-component of the technical system, but have to test it in overall system tests with corresponding system test benches. SMEs therefore form technology chains for the development of system solutions and thus also the corresponding value chains, which are dependent on cooperative development processes.

In order to achieve an optimal overall system in a targeted manner, virtualization must take place using suitable information technology (information supply chains), i.e. tools for cooperative development and networked system testing must be used. The necessary basic technologies are available for this, but there are only a few proprietary system solutions. System approaches, standards and interfaces are the subject of research. As part of the project described above, a system solution for the digitalization and location-independent use of testing systems is being developed and implemented as a prototype.

This enables companies to cooperatively represent entire engineering chains and to place development and testing services on the market regardless of location. The aim is to network system simulation and test management as well as test vehicles and test systems in real time, primarily via the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), based on the problem of the electric powertrain. The necessary IT system architecture based on the Operator Controller Module (OCM) ensures secure (security and safety) and real-time capable distributed test operation. Test systems are expanded with corresponding functionality (e.g. gateway) and adapted accordingly. In particular, mobile systems/gateways with future 5G or ITS-G5 functionality are to be integrated. This will create a distributed HiL/SiL/DiL laboratory in ruhrvalley as a demonstrator. The test systems can also be integrated into the test systems of partner companies regardless of location thanks to their high level of interoperability.