CSAI 2023

Applying Digital Twin Technology to Enhance the Safety of Wind and Hydrogen Energy Systems

  • Tan, Henry (University of Aberdeen)

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This talk presents current research conducted at the University of Aberdeen in collaboration with BP and DNV, focusing on applying digital twin technology to improve the safety of wind and hydrogen energy systems. As the energy sector undergoes rapid transformation, ensuring safety and efficiency in renewable energy sources becomes crucial. Digital twin technology, which involves creating digital replicas of physical systems, offers real-time insights and predictive analysis capabilities, playing a pivotal role in this context. The talk will explore the implementation of digital twin technology in wind power. Specifically, it will highlight how this technology facilitates predictive maintenance and risk assessment for wind turbines. By creating accurate virtual representations, potential issues can be anticipated, enabling timely corrective actions to maintain the structural integrity of wind turbines and ensure the safety of surrounding areas. The talk covers the investigation of both technical failures and human factors. Similarly, the application of digital twin technology contributes significantly to the safety and efficiency of hydrogen energy systems. In the realm of hydrogen production, storage, and transportation, these digital tools enable the prediction of potential failures and effective risk management. The focus will be on risk prediction in the liquid hydrogen fuelling process and the safety considerations in green hydrogen production and storage. However, adopting digital twin technology presents certain challenges, including data quality, implementation costs, and specialised skill requirements. The talk will address these challenges and provide insights into overcoming them while discussing the potential for future advancements in the field.