Utilities Tech Outlook Weekly Brief
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Digital twin technology transforms utilities by enabling efficient system design, predictive maintenance, operational integration, and sustainable energy transitions, improving performance and decision-making across infrastructure lifecycles.
FREMONT CA: Digital twin technology is transforming the utilities sector by providing real-time, data-driven insights into the performance and operation of critical infrastructure. By creating virtual replicas of physical assets, systems, and processes, digital twins enable utility companies to optimise performance, predict maintenance needs, and enhance decision-making. Digital twin technology enables the creation of detailed virtual models of utility systems without physical construction. These models can support various project phases, including design, construction, operations, and maintenance. By integrating different types of models, a comprehensive simulation environment can be established. For instance, digital twins help design electric systems by modelling network components, simulating conditions, and supporting stakeholder collaboration throughout the system’s lifecycle.
Enhancing Equipment Sizing and Maintenance
Grid and substation designers can utilise digital twins to size equipment and forecast operational scenarios. Over time, these models can be revisited to accommodate changing construction needs or evolving load profiles, ensuring system efficiency and timely maintenance. Large facilities like nuclear or fossil fuel plants extensively rely on these models to optimise designs, test control systems, and configure alarm systems for better operational readiness.
Advancing Training in Utilities
Digital twins are valuable tools for operator training, particularly in complex systems like fossil or nuclear plants. Simulators replicate real control environments, enabling operators to handle failures, restarts, and emergencies effectively. In renewable energy, they assist wind farm operators in managing failure modes and maintenance tasks. Grid operators, too, benefit from simulations that integrate advanced tools like GIS and energy management systems, fostering coordinated responses to faults.
Operational Integration and Data Visualisation
At the operational level, digital twins unify diverse data sources to offer a single version of truth for decision-making. Real-time data from generators, substations, and microgrids is integrated with tools like GIS to visualise system behaviour. These models also predict outages using weather and infrastructure data, enabling proactive responses.
Addressing Evolving Utility Challenges
As renewable energy grows, digital twins play a pivotal role in managing the transition from fossil fuels. They adapt to new market trends, support demand response initiatives, and enhance grid flexibility. By integrating across the value chain, digital twins empower utilities to address operational complexities in an energy landscape.
Through advanced modelling, simulation, and real-time data integration, it empowers utility companies to design efficient systems, enhance operational decision-making, and optimise performance. From equipment sizing and predictive maintenance to operator training and grid management, digital twins offer versatile solutions to address both current and future challenges. By fostering greater efficiency, reducing costs, and supporting the transition to sustainable energy systems, digital twins are set to become indispensable tools in the evolving utilities landscape.
