This blog post will answer common questions you might have about digital twins, the application of digital twin technology in the utilities industry and what to look for in a digital twin solution. This way, it will be easier for you to find the best solution for your needs and get the most out of this promising technology.
A digital twin is a complete virtual replica of physical assets and processes and their dynamic behaviour in a specific environment. For DSOs, this involves visualizing the power grid and running simulations. Digital twin technology can be traced back to the use of physical twins by NASA during the Apollo missions to develop life-saving solutions for the Apollo 13 crew.
Digital twins improve the accuracy, accessibility and effectiveness of simulations by contextualizing and visualizing data. For a digital twin, data contextualization means taking existing data from multiple sources and bringing it all together to make it easier to interpret and use for all stakeholders from anywhere. Data visualization means taking data that may have previously only been available in raw or number format and presenting it visually in a more user-friendly manner.
Your complete grid model and various other data sources are ingested and contextualized in the digital twin. This is combined with load and production forecasts and used to perform a full load flow analysis on the entire system. The result is a complete visualization, providing actionable insights and applications that enable more efficient grid planning and operations. In a virtual replica of the entire grid, DSO employees can try changing parameters in the digital twin and see the impact and what changes it would cause before implementing them for real in the live system.
Some of the ways DSOs benefit from digital twin technology are the capability to:
A survey of multiple industries including utilities by CapGemini found that digital twins improved the following metrics by about 15%:
A digital twin solution for the utilities industry should be built on interoperable and scalable standards, such as the Common Information Model (CIM) interface. This is important for ensuring interoperability with your utilities industry-specific data and applications. A digital twin provider that embraces CIM and has an open approach also gives you the freedom to always choose the best solution and not have your data locked in with a specific vendor.
Accenture's Technology Vision 2022 for utilities points to the need for utilities to choose a strategic partner to build a digital twin that goes beyond data, leveraging AI in a more visible manner. Given that a digital twin should be a key part of a long-term digitalization journey, you should also look for a strategic partner that can offer useful advice and support over time. This way, you can get the most out of your investment in digital twin technology.
Our Kognitwin Grid is a digital twin solution tailored to the utilities industry. Kognitwin has a CIM interface and everything you need to get more out of your existing grid infrastructure, mitigate risks, cut costs, improve quality and achieve other benefits. Learn more about what the Kognitwin Grid is capable of and how we at Kongsberg Digital can support you as a strategic partner by booking a demo.
