Digital twins are no longer a futuristic concept; they are here, and they are revolutionizing the water, sanitation, and drainage sector. Oliver Grievson, Associate Director at AtkinsRéalis and Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor at the University of Exeter, delves into the transformative potential of digital twins in his recent column. The journey of digital twins began in the manufacturing industry in 2002, but it wasn’t until 2014 that the water industry started to take notice, thanks to the German Water Partnership. The evolution of the digital twin concept has been profound, shifting from a complex merging of cyber and physical systems to a more accessible definition: a virtual representation of a physical system that integrates data from various sources, such as sensors, forecasts, and model data.
However, Grievson argues that even this definition needs further refinement, especially when applied to the water industry. He breaks down digital twin technology into three distinct areas: Construction Digital Twin, Asset Digital Twin, and Operational Digital Twin. Each of these categories offers unique benefits and applications. Construction Digital Twins, for instance, act as advanced 3-D AutoCAD models, allowing engineers to create virtual copies of assets like collection networks or wastewater treatment works. This not only aids in understanding on-site functionality but also in optimizing the construction process and testing system functionality before construction begins. When the principles of Building Information Modeling (BIM) are applied, this becomes an invaluable asset management tool as construction progresses.
Asset Digital Twins focus on high-value, critical assets like blowers, large pumps, and process units. These micro-Digital Twins are crucial for asset reliability engineering, providing close monitoring and performance tracking to minimize downtime. Operational Digital Twins, on the other hand, offer a holistic view of both water and wastewater systems. The first and most advanced of these was applied as a hydraulic version of the water distribution network, providing a powerful tactical tool for control rooms. Over time, case studies have expanded to include wastewater collection networks and treatment plants, demonstrating the versatility and potential of this technology.
The development of digital twins in the water industry is not without its challenges. Grievson emphasizes the need for a specific use-case in mind when applying digital twins. The digital twin will naturally bias towards this use case, requiring an iterative process to develop the models and data sources. This iterative process is crucial for enhancing situational awareness and improving the accuracy of the digital twin.
The potential of digital twin technologies in the water industry is vast. Grievson highlights a groundbreaking collaborative project using digital twins to drive towards net-zero emissions as a prime example. This technology can be applied to wastewater networks and river systems to identify issues and reveal improvements for the aquatic environment. The ability to simulate and predict outcomes before implementing changes can lead to more efficient and effective management of water resources.
The rise of digital twins in the water industry is not just about adopting new technology; it’s about rethinking how we approach water management. By leveraging digital twins, the sector can address some of its most significant challenges, from improving asset reliability to enhancing operational efficiency. The technology promises to revolutionize the way we manage water resources, making it a game-changer in the pursuit of sustainable water management. As the concept continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly shape the future of the water, sanitation, and drainage sector, driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
