Digital twins for energy systems
A digital twin is a dynamic, virtual copy of a physical energy asset or system that looks and behaves like its real-world counterpart.
It relies on operational data and replicates processes so that possible real-world performance outcomes and issues can be predicted.
Combining energy expertise with digital capabilities, we can help develop a digital twin that brings new levels of operational insight and control, and meets the wider commercial needs of your organization.
There are many kinds of twins and many different ways to develop one. When you work with our team, the development process has four distinct stages:
- Assessment and road-mapping: we find out what data a client can take advantage of, and how it might be combined – this supports a compelling business case.
- Create the twin: we then develop a working model from an organisation’s data and underlying information infrastructure.
- Manage and maintain: once implemented within an organisation, we continue to refine and expand the twin’s effectiveness and security, bolting on new services and data streams as they become available.
- Iterate and upgrade: continuous improvements are possible as data platforms gain in power and capability every year. We work with clients to continually improve their digital twin.
Arup has been appointed by Britain’s National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) to help identify and articulate the relevant principles for the technical framework of its world-first Virtual Energy System programme.
The Virtual Energy System is a digital replica of Britain’s entire energy landscape, providing a virtual environment to share data, model and predict scenarios that will support the decarbonisation of the energy industry, while supporting a digital-first and sustainable energy network for the future.
Arup will work in collaboration with global non-profit organisation, Icebreaker One, and leading energy system innovation centre, Energy Systems Catapult, to identify the key principles of the common framework that the Virtual Energy System will be built upon.
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Pathways to a digitalised energy system by 2035
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Digitalisation is central to the energy transition. Arup offers deep technical knowledge drawn from across the energy sector, backed with the digital expertise to design the systems required.