Updated:
Originally Published:
Imagine this…your washer breaks. You open your instruction manual to find a digital 3D model that shows you every part number as you select it and enables you to look around the inside of your washer. Now, you know exactly what is broken, how to fix it, and how to prevent the issue from happening again before ever reaching for your toolbox.
At a high level, digital twins are a user-friendly owner’s manual. Instead of sifting through hundreds of documents to find a replacement part number, with a digital twin you have a visual, interactive equipment guide. Keep digging, though, and you’ll discover that using digital twins in the world of substations can offer even more benefits than an optimized manual—from helping utilities anticipate equipment maintenance to optimizing substation management.
A digital twin is a virtual replica or model that mimics a physical object or system's physical attributes, behaviors, and conditions [1]. It is created by combining data from various sources, such as sensors, equipment, and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices, with advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms [1] [2] [3].
When applied to high-voltage substations, digital twins offer a real-time, highly detailed representation of substation components and operations. The virtual replica enables accurate simulations, predictive maintenance, and advanced analytics that can provide a digital handover receipt, improve asset management, identify and troubleshoot field issues, improve systems control, and enhance cybersecurity measures.
So, what does that mean? Let’s break it down.
A significant amount of data and information is generated during large infrastructure projects, like the construction and commissioning of a substation, but 95.5% of that data goes unused in the engineering and construction industry [4]. Digital twins provide a platform for stakeholders to capture and leverage this data effectively, ensuring a comprehensive digital handover that can be utilized for ongoing operations and maintenance.
Conventional handovers can include thousands of pages of as-builts and other project files. In contrast, a digital handover receipt provides an interactive, searchable 3D model with all the information in one place in a more visual, hands-on format.
One of the primary benefits of digital twins is their ability to predict equipment failures before they occur. By constantly analyzing the performance data of substation assets, digital twins can forecast maintenance needs, thereby reducing downtime and ultimately preventing power outages.
Real-time monitoring through digital twins empowers stakeholders with an instantaneous overview of substation health. This enhanced situational awareness allows for the timely execution of maintenance activities and ensures that assets are operating efficiently.
Digital twins support field technicians by providing remote access to substation equipment details that would typically require digging through construction files or a visit to the site. This capability allows for the rapid identification and resolution of issues, accelerating maintenance response times and improving the overall efficiency of the substation.
Another benefit of digital twin technology is that stakeholders can use these as a virtual sandbox to test scenarios and adjustments without the need for real-time changes to the physical substation. This control can optimize energy distribution in response to fluctuating demand and renewable energy inputs.
As the electric power industry embraces digital transformation, cybersecurity concerns remain at the forefront. Digital twin technology is being leveraged to "examine different scenarios, assess the robustness and effectiveness of security measures, and identify areas for improvement" [5]. This approach can protect critical infrastructures from cyber-attacks before they escalate.
Digital twin technology grows smarter and more sophisticated with time. It matures in phases that increase business value as it collects and analyzes more data. The chart below shows the predicted evolution of digital twin technology.
In the descriptive phase, the digital twin is a live, editable space that shows dimensional constraints and assets. In the informative phase, operation systems are connected, and real-time data is collected and visualized. In the predictive phase, the digital twin can begin using the collected data and analytics to predict future required maintenance and asset management. In the comprehensive phase, the digital twin can begin predicting "if/then" and "what if" scenarios. Finally, digital twins in the high-voltage industry could eventually arrive at an autonomous phase where the digital twin can act on behalf of the equipment, automating maintenance and decision-making processes.
Starting a project well is important, but ending it well is even more critical. With digital twin technology, you can begin with the end in mind and leverage the 95.5% of data that typically goes unused. Creating a virtual replica that mirrors the physical substation and its operational environment offers enhanced asset management, efficiency, and systems control, leading to a future with more reliable power distribution.
Beta Engineering has solved problems in the high-voltage industry for nearly 50 years, designing and building substations and transmission projects across the U.S. Our teams have experience implementing digital twin technology in tandem with our customers’ substation project needs.
As your partner, Beta is committed to providing transparency and a team you can trust that’s ready to tackle your every challenge—whether that’s a digital twin for your next substation project, Factory-Built Substations delivered and installed on your site, or anything in between.
Contact our team of experts so that we can power the future and build your next project together.
Updated:
March 13, 2024
Updated:
Originally Published:
Imagine this…your washer breaks. You open your instruction manual to find a digital 3D model that shows you every part number as you select it and enables you to look around the inside of your washer. Now, you know exactly what is broken, how to fix it, and how to prevent the issue from happening again before ever reaching for your toolbox.
At a high level, digital twins are a user-friendly owner’s manual. Instead of sifting through hundreds of documents to find a replacement part number, with a digital twin you have a visual, interactive equipment guide. Keep digging, though, and you’ll discover that using digital twins in the world of substations can offer even more benefits than an optimized manual—from helping utilities anticipate equipment maintenance to optimizing substation management.
A digital twin is a virtual replica or model that mimics a physical object or system's physical attributes, behaviors, and conditions [1]. It is created by combining data from various sources, such as sensors, equipment, and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices, with advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms [1] [2] [3].
When applied to high-voltage substations, digital twins offer a real-time, highly detailed representation of substation components and operations. The virtual replica enables accurate simulations, predictive maintenance, and advanced analytics that can provide a digital handover receipt, improve asset management, identify and troubleshoot field issues, improve systems control, and enhance cybersecurity measures.
So, what does that mean? Let’s break it down.
A significant amount of data and information is generated during large infrastructure projects, like the construction and commissioning of a substation, but 95.5% of that data goes unused in the engineering and construction industry [4]. Digital twins provide a platform for stakeholders to capture and leverage this data effectively, ensuring a comprehensive digital handover that can be utilized for ongoing operations and maintenance.
Conventional handovers can include thousands of pages of as-builts and other project files. In contrast, a digital handover receipt provides an interactive, searchable 3D model with all the information in one place in a more visual, hands-on format.
One of the primary benefits of digital twins is their ability to predict equipment failures before they occur. By constantly analyzing the performance data of substation assets, digital twins can forecast maintenance needs, thereby reducing downtime and ultimately preventing power outages.
Real-time monitoring through digital twins empowers stakeholders with an instantaneous overview of substation health. This enhanced situational awareness allows for the timely execution of maintenance activities and ensures that assets are operating efficiently.
Digital twins support field technicians by providing remote access to substation equipment details that would typically require digging through construction files or a visit to the site. This capability allows for the rapid identification and resolution of issues, accelerating maintenance response times and improving the overall efficiency of the substation.
Another benefit of digital twin technology is that stakeholders can use these as a virtual sandbox to test scenarios and adjustments without the need for real-time changes to the physical substation. This control can optimize energy distribution in response to fluctuating demand and renewable energy inputs.
As the electric power industry embraces digital transformation, cybersecurity concerns remain at the forefront. Digital twin technology is being leveraged to "examine different scenarios, assess the robustness and effectiveness of security measures, and identify areas for improvement" [5]. This approach can protect critical infrastructures from cyber-attacks before they escalate.
Digital twin technology grows smarter and more sophisticated with time. It matures in phases that increase business value as it collects and analyzes more data. The chart below shows the predicted evolution of digital twin technology.
In the descriptive phase, the digital twin is a live, editable space that shows dimensional constraints and assets. In the informative phase, operation systems are connected, and real-time data is collected and visualized. In the predictive phase, the digital twin can begin using the collected data and analytics to predict future required maintenance and asset management. In the comprehensive phase, the digital twin can begin predicting "if/then" and "what if" scenarios. Finally, digital twins in the high-voltage industry could eventually arrive at an autonomous phase where the digital twin can act on behalf of the equipment, automating maintenance and decision-making processes.
Starting a project well is important, but ending it well is even more critical. With digital twin technology, you can begin with the end in mind and leverage the 95.5% of data that typically goes unused. Creating a virtual replica that mirrors the physical substation and its operational environment offers enhanced asset management, efficiency, and systems control, leading to a future with more reliable power distribution.
Beta Engineering has solved problems in the high-voltage industry for nearly 50 years, designing and building substations and transmission projects across the U.S. Our teams have experience implementing digital twin technology in tandem with our customers’ substation project needs.
As your partner, Beta is committed to providing transparency and a team you can trust that’s ready to tackle your every challenge—whether that’s a digital twin for your next substation project, Factory-Built Substations delivered and installed on your site, or anything in between.
Contact our team of experts so that we can power the future and build your next project together.
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