Drive system
In connected drive technology, every drive system sends operating data to a platform and receives software updates remotely. Manufacturers keep telematics and engine control up to date across the fleet and plan service and maintenance based on real data.
Drive system at a glance
Most frequent in the projects on this page
Technologies
Users in these projects
Verified projects featuring Drive system
Remote container updates for software defined vehicles
Cyber resilience for ship propulsion via certifiable OT security
Scalable IoT architecture replaces historically grown service platform
Connected drive technology: software and service for drive systems
At Cummins, embedded Linux devices sit directly on the engine and communicate with the engine control unit. Applications run as OCI containers, which Portainer Business Edition orchestrates remotely via a server-agent architecture, even with limited bandwidth, high latency and recurring drops in the cellular connection. The Linux operating system and the engine control unit receive their updates the same way. For remote monitoring of drive and power systems, doubleSlash built an edge and cloud architecture with Apache Kafka and Apache Spark on Microsoft Azure that automatically converts raw data from different machines, protocols and formats into a uniform schema.
The examples come from automotive, shipbuilding and mechanical engineering. With Portainer.io, Cummins reduced its telematics software from 35 versions to a single one, and the new system went into production on schedule. A manufacturer of drive and power systems replaced its legacy service platform with doubleSlash and cut operating costs. SCHOTTEL worked with WAGO to assess the risks of its transverse thruster in line with IEC 62443 and define countermeasures; the results are with Lloyd’s Register for certification. In episode #175, Rolls-Royce Power Systems explains how mtu Go links engine data with maintenance plans.
Podcast episodes featuring Drive system
Connected drive technology: frequently asked questions
How does a truck powertrain receive new software?
A connected truck powertrain receives new software over the air, without a technician having to touch the vehicle. Cummins, which supplies diesel and electrified powertrains to more than 100 OEMs, separates its applications from the operating system as OCI containers. Portainer Business Edition orchestrates the containers remotely and delivers secure, atomic and fail-safe updates to every connected device.
How does a commercial engine control unit receive software updates remotely?
The engine control unit receives its update via a connected device mounted directly on the engine. At Cummins, the engine control unit has no connectivity of its own and obtains its software via an embedded Linux device. The team led by software architect Martin Brown uses the same container orchestrator that also updates applications and the Linux operating system. Cummins has published the approach on IP.com.
How is a marine propulsion system protected against cyber attacks?
A marine propulsion system is protected when manufacturers and integrators jointly assess the risks of the overall system and define countermeasures. For its transverse thruster, SCHOTTEL worked with WAGO Security Consulting in line with IEC 62443-3-2: asset management, zoning, threat analysis, countermeasures and test procedures. The maritime requirements are set out in the IACS Unified Requirements E27. The results form the basis for certification by Lloyd’s Register.
How does remote industrial engine monitoring work?
In remote industrial engine monitoring, edge components capture operating data and send it to a cloud platform that evaluates it in real time. A manufacturer of drive and power systems rebuilt its service platform with doubleSlash for this purpose, using Apache Kafka and Apache Spark on Microsoft Azure. In mtu Go, Rolls-Royce Power Systems links operating data from engines in use worldwide with ERP maintenance plans and automatically generates maintenance recommendations.
More assets in “Machinery and Equipment”
Pump
Pump monitoring with IoT records vibration, temperature, pressure and energy consumption of running pumps. Operators detect damage and faults before a pump fails and plan maintenance by condition rather than at fixed intervals.
Compressor
With IoT, compressor maintenance follows actual condition: sensors record current consumption, pressure, temperature and running times. Operators detect creeping damage and unused running time early and cut energy and service costs.
Electric motor
Motor condition monitoring with IoT continuously measures the vibration, temperature and current draw of electric motors. Operators detect imbalance, bearing damage or winding faults early and replace motors based on condition rather than after a failure.
Packaging machine
OEE software automatically records run times, downtime, speed and rejects on packaging machines from the machine signals. Operators see where their lines lose performance, and machine builders use the same data for remote access and digital services.
Refrigeration system
A refrigeration monitoring system makes service plannable: temperatures, refrigerant circuit pressures, compressor status and energy consumption flow into a platform in real time. Operators and service partners detect faults early, avoid unnecessary site visits and reduce excess consumption.
Air conditioning system
Commercial air conditioning systems in offices, retail branches and data centres can be monitored remotely with IoT. Operators see energy consumption, temperatures and faults in one place, detect failing compressors or refrigerant shortages early and plan service visits precisely.
IIoT Use Case user group
What no project tells you
What did the project cost? Which sensor didn't survive in the field? How did you get maintenance on board? 300+ industrial users discuss questions like these with each other every month, openly and without vendors in the room.
Frequent topics in these projects, bring your questions:
- Digital Documentation
- Fleet Management
- Fraud and Loss Prevention
Online every month
Alternating tech and business focus
Users only
No sales pitches, exchange under NDA
300+ members
OT, IT and IIoT leads from industry
