Energy companies manage complex equipment stationed in remote areas that needs to be constantly maintained. Servicing these systems has been challenging because utilities lacked visibility into how the devices were performing. Digital twins are becoming a key element in improving the management of their remote machinery.
Digital twins are virtual representations of physical objects. By taking advantage of technologies, like cloud, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence, these solutions create a virtual counterpart that mirrors the characteristics, behaviors, attributes, and performance of real-world machinery. The digital representation is synchronized and updated in real-time based on data collected from the sensors.
Digital Twins Improve Performance
Digital twins provide energy companies with many potential benefits. The constant monitoring helps to ensure that energy companies understand requirements and match resources to requirements. They help energy companies deliver power as needed, especially in times when supply or demand fluctuates.
Another plus is the additional information improves decision-making. Utility personnel gain a better understanding of how well their equipment is functioning in real time. They can then make adjustments as needed.
These solutions have great potential but present energy companies with a few challenges. The technology is complex and requires a great deal of integration and ongoing maintenance. Energy companies lack experience with digital twins and often need help from third party experts.
Energy corporations have difficulty managing their remote equipment. Digital twins provide them with a clearer picture of how their systems are functioning. The technology is new, so a learning curve is needed, but ultimately, energy companies can benefit from its adoption.