ABB Smart Lab: Simulating future applications with present equipment

ABB Smart Lab, built in 2012 at ABB facility in Dalmine and renovated in 2015, will be described. The Lab includes a set of actual power equipment (switchgear, circuit breakers, protections, transformers), automation devices (PLCs, DCS, input/output systems, variable speed drives) and software (SCADA, network management, DMS) which interact with a simulated world in which real quantities (currents, voltages, power) are created by digitally-driven signals connected to devices´ measurement inputs. In addition, equipment and systems for other utilities, such as water distribution, are installed, so that synergies, e.g., shared use of communication infrastructure, can be made apparent. A summary of usage of Smart Lab to the present day will be shown, followed by plans for future activities and extensions.