| The control unit CATSTC (CATS Testbed Control) can be used for controlling test rigs with load equipment for testing combustion engines, gears, drive chains or components.
CATSTC contains standard components from Siemens industrial technology such as a SIMATIC-S7-300 controller for test rig-related coordination and safety functions as well as the FM 586 digital control for the necessary control tasks in the load equipment and test specimen.
A SIMATIC OP25 operator panel with LCD is integrated for operation and display. This and 2 incremental potentiometers for presetting the setpoint are implemented to manually control the test rig including measured value display. The OP25 is also used for error message display and diagnosis for manual operation and maintenance.
The device is designed as a compact built-in solution in 19" technology and is pre-assembled. External connections are set up using conventional plugs or plug-in terminals. A single-phase 120/230V mains supply is required.
Processing of signals on the test specimen side such as "Ignition On" etc. is already provided for, for further requirements, such as integration of house or climate technology, the S7-300 controller hardware and software can easily be expanded.
Control elements:
Control elements such as the OP25 with function keys and incremental potentiometers, key-operated switches, emergency off buttons and the operating hours counters are used for operating the test rig and for checking parameters or inputs for servicing.
Option road resistance simulation or high-dynamic engine test rig:
An optional road resistance simulation for combustion engine test rigs is available in CATSTC which can be used to simulate vehicle mass, road resistance, gradient as well as shifting gear according to revs or speeds that can be preset. CATSTC can be further expanded for full simulation mode DSS (Digital Simulation System). DSS also offers simulation of the drive chain, clutch and driver as well as a drive profile presetting to operate a high-dynamic test rig.
Connection of a superior automation system:
For further automation tasks, such as extensive measuring data input and evaluation or fully automatic control of the test rig, the PC automation system CATSNT or an external system can be connected via Profibus. Analog and digital interfaces are also optionally available.
Interfaces to the test rig:
- Analog signal ±10V or Profibus DP connection for controlling the load equipment, e.g. a dynamometer with converter
- Analog signal 0...10V or Profibus DP connection for controlling a joystick actuator (position control is assumed in the actuator).
- Pulse input for speed signal (24V, typ. 500 pulses/revolution) with 2 tracks 90° phase shift; actual value of combustion engine also possible.
- Analog input ±10V for actual value torque
- Analog input 0...10V for actual value throttle valve
- Digital signals 24VDC for control signals such as "Test rig On", "Electrics On" etc.
Design:
CATSTC consists of an operating unit and a control unit installed in two racks each 19" wide and 6 units high (» 270 mm) and approx. 25 cm deep. The racks can either be interconnected as a slide-in unit with approx. double depth or mounted separately to allow easier installation in existing consoles, cabinets or similar. |
