This project will investigate the feasibility of using Digital Twin (DT) technology to support local network restoration plans and the implementation of adaptive protection systems to address challenges associated with high penetration of Inverter Based Generation (IBG) within a power network. Conceptual development will be carried out to model power networks and essential equipment, and build a virtual “twin” system to digitally simulate the live operation.  A Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) will be deployed with live data fed from Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) for on-line decision-making and off-line testing/analyses. The project will showcase the use of such a DT system to support the local network restoration plan, in addition to adaptive protection capabilities to eliminate the risks of maloperation.

Benefits

The project aims to investigate the feasibility of using Digital Twin (DT) methodology to assist network restoration and implement adaptive protection. The project will design a virtual twin system to digitally simulate the live operation of a power network with essential power network component representations. The conceptually designed DT system will enable the capability of “playing ahead of the game” and providing real-time decision-making assistance to network controllers for network restoration and allow for the adaptive adjustment of protection settings. The benefits are calculated based on improved efficiency of network restoration from the completion of the project till the end of 2044/45. Based on our cost benefit analysis, the estimated benefit in NPV terms can reach around £146m if the project is successful.