Bachelor thesis · Explained

Digital twins for PLC-coupled laboratory systems

demonstrated on a heated-tank system

Read the chapters Data tables Figures
Submission
12 August 2026
University
Duale Hochschule Sachsen — Studienakademie Glauchau
Programme
Digital Engineering (B.Eng.)
Cohort
4DE23-1
Supervision
Prof. Torsten Lehnguth · Robert Kolbe (Mugler SE)
Confidentiality notice

The thesis itself is subject to a confidentiality notice (Sperrvermerk; Mugler SE, three years from 12 August 2026) and is not published here verbatim. This site explains the approach, the model and the measured results in its own words. Access to the full thesis only on request and with clearance.

Request access

At a glance

The thesis in numbers

13 chapters, each with a summary
5 test scenarios, all passed
38,209 measurement rows in 5 raw-data tables
41 figures: diagrams, plots, photos
20Hz target rate of the simulation, Δt = 50 ms
32min reading time of all chapters together

All figures are computed from the chapters and raw data on this site. The tests check the internal consistency of the model; no comparison with a real tank exists. Limits of the findings

Table of contents

The thesis, explained chapter by chapter

Each chapter opens with a short summary and explains what was examined, how, and what came out of it — with the matching tables and figures right in the text.

Quick start · approx. 7 min

Short on time? These chapters carry the line of thought from the starting point through aim and method to the result and the limits of what it shows.

Motivation Chapters 1–2 · 4 min reading time

  1. 01 Initial situation Missing feedback from the IHK simulation boards as the starting point of the thesis approx. 2 min reading time
  2. 02 Objective and approach Objective, guiding questions, approach according to VDI 2206 and scope delimitation approx. 2 min reading time

Fundamentals Chapter 3 · 2 min reading time

  1. 03 State of the art Digital model, shadow and twin; normative framework and ISO/OSI classification approx. 2 min reading time

Design Chapters 4–5 · 4 min reading time

  1. 04 Requirements Stakeholders, functional and non-functional requirements, system boundary approx. 2 min reading time
  2. 05 Solution approaches and concept decision Concept decision between an MQTT broker and an in-house development consisting of gateway and orchestrator approx. 2 min reading time

System Chapters 6–7 · 5 min reading time

  1. 06 System architecture Four levels from the controller to the browser display, three software layers, plugin interface approx. 2 min reading time
  2. 07 The test rig Mounting wall with power supply, converter level and control panel approx. 3 min reading time

Model Chapters 8–9 · 7 min reading time

  1. 08 The heated-tank model State vector, four sub-models and explicit Euler method approx. 4 min reading time
  2. 09 The simulation cycle One cycle every 50 ms: sequence, change transmission, monitoring and cycle accuracy approx. 3 min reading time

Verification Chapters 10–12 · 9 min reading time

  1. 10 Five test scenarios Expectation against measurement: five runs on the unchanged model code approx. 4 min reading time
  2. 11 Result and limits Fulfilled requirements, prototypical parts and limits of the statement approx. 3 min reading time
  3. 12 Outlook Open items before operation, technical development and transferability approx. 2 min reading time

Appendix Chapter 13 · 1 min reading time

  1. 13 Preliminary projects The author's own assemblies from training as the starting point of the thesis approx. 1 min reading time

Material

Data, figures and reference

Every measurement series can be inspected in full and recomputed; every figure is available in full resolution.

7 tables Data tables 5 measurement series with 38,209 rows in total, plus result and key-figure tables. Sort, filter, download as CSV. 41 figures Gallery Figures, diagrams and photos with captions and a full-screen view. Look up Glossary Technical terms and abbreviations of the thesis, briefly explained. References Sources Standards and literature the explanation draws on. Reuse Cite Suggested citation for the explanation and notes on how to cite it.

About the author

B.Eng. Arthur Kotsch

Engineer (B.Eng. Digital Engineering, Duale Hochschule Sachsen), founder and managing director of KOTSCH.TECH.

kotsch.tech arthurkotsch.online (opens in a new tab) Contact

Cite

Suggested citation

Suggested citation

Kotsch, A. H. (2026): Digital twins for PLC-coupled laboratory systems — demonstrated on a heated-tank system. Explanation of the bachelor thesis (Duale Hochschule Sachsen). thesis.kotsch.tech.

This cites the explanation on this site, not the wording of the embargoed thesis. Please add the date of access. More citation formats