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Application of Digital Twin Technology in Distribution Networks

*Matěj Vrtal
Department of Electrical Power Engineering, Brno University of Technology, FEEC

Petr Toman
Department of Electrical Power Engineering, Brno University of Technology, FEEC

Abstract
Meanwhile the demand for managing and commissioning of a wide range of equipment increases, many technology industries around the world are facing significant shortages of key components and parts for their operations. Part of the solution to both of these problems lies in a relatively new trend today - the deployment of so-called digital twins to simulate manufacturing processes. The principle of the digital twin function is based on the creation of a virtual model of a specific physical device or process. The potential applications of digital twin technology in the energy sector are similar to those of other technology sectors. By creating a reliable numerical model of any part of the distribution network, we can achieve the perfect tool for finding weak points in the network, analyzing and optimizing control processes, or simulating fault conditions for different scenarios. Although the number of articles on digital twins is increasing every year, only a small number of publications are devoted to the use of this technology in the energy industry. This paper analyses the possible applications of digital twin technology in distribution networks, describes the key issues that need to be addressed when building a specific model of a distribution network digital twin, and discusses the potential of optimization processes for improving the reliability of distribution networks.