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ArrayWater Research Australia - Digital Twin Technology Factsheet
07/04/2021
A digital twin is a 3D virtual model of a process, product or service. It is a bridge between the physical and digital world. This pairing of the virtual and physical worlds allows analysis of data and monitoring of systems to identify problems before they even occur, prevent downtime, develop new opportunities and even predict future performance by using simulations.
Digital twins represent a significant advancement and potential transformation of the water industry, and offer advantages that are being realised every day in other industries. Depending on the level of connectivity between the digital twin and the physical system, they can provide dynamic process simulations, real-time process optimisation and troubleshooting support. As with other industries, so too is the water industry turning to digital twins to benefit their ongoing operations, improve planning, and enhance operator training. Digital twins reduce risk, optimize operations, and manage water-related infrastructure (e.g. storage tanks, pump stations, treatment facilities, and pipe networks). Digital twin can also be connected to enterprise systems, such as process design, maintenance and planning, project proposals, staffing and personnel movement, budgets, production, and logistics.
