Digital twin technology is revolutionizing the power industry, providing unprecedented opportunities for efficiency, reliability, and integration of renewable energy sources. A recent study published in the journal ‘Inventions’ explores the existing tools for software implementation of digital twins, highlighting their potential to transform power systems and their components.
Lead author Irina F. Iumanova from the Ural Power Engineering Institute at the Ural Federal University emphasizes the importance of digital twins in modern energy management. “Digital twins allow for the creation of virtual copies of real objects, enabling predictive analysis, operational optimization, and enhanced reliability of power systems,” she explains. This technology is not just a theoretical concept; it has practical applications that can lead to significant cost savings and improved service quality in the energy sector.
The research outlines various types of digital twins, including Digital Twin Prototypes, Instances, and Aggregates, each serving distinct purposes in the lifecycle of power industry components. By leveraging these digital representations, companies can monitor equipment in real-time, predict failures before they occur, and optimize operations to ensure maximum efficiency. This is particularly crucial as the energy sector increasingly integrates renewable sources, which require flexible and adaptable management systems.
Iumanova’s study also tackles a pressing challenge in the industry: the overwhelming number of software solutions available for developing digital twins. The lack of standardization and clear classification makes it difficult for organizations to choose the right tools. “Our review aims to systematize these tools, providing a clearer path for companies looking to implement digital twin technology effectively,” she states.
The research proposes the use of the Digital Twin Definition Language (DTDL) to standardize the description of digital twins, particularly for complex components like oil-immersed power transformers. This standardization is essential not only for ensuring compatibility among various software solutions but also for enhancing data security and privacy, which are increasingly critical in the digital age.
As the power industry continues to evolve, the implications of this research are profound. By adopting digital twin technology, energy companies can expect to see improvements in operational efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced customer service. The ability to create a unified information system that integrates various software solutions promises to streamline processes and facilitate better decision-making.
Looking ahead, Iumanova’s work opens the door to further exploration of hardware requirements for digital twins and the development of industry-specific standards. As she notes, “The future of digital twins in the power sector is bright, but it requires ongoing collaboration and innovation.”
The findings of this study underscore the commercial impacts of digital twin technology, positioning it as a pivotal tool in the digitalization of the energy sector. For professionals in the industry, embracing this technology could be the key to unlocking new levels of efficiency and sustainability.
For more insights from Irina F. Iumanova, you can visit her affiliation at Ural Federal University Named after the First President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin. The full article is published in ‘Inventions’, a journal dedicated to innovative research and development.
