Digital twin technology is being applied by U.S. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and U.S. Oak Ridge National Laboratory to the modernization of the aging hydropower plant fleet in the U.S.

The agencies are collaborating on a project to develop a Digital Twins for Hydropower framework as a virtual, open-access platform that generates a digital representation of hydroelectric plants using virtual and real-time data and feedback to optimize operations. The hydropower industry can use the tool to The virtual platform will address operations and maintenance issues at aging hydropower plants. Source: PNNLevaluate and replace mechanical components, accelerate technology development and improve hydropower operations and performance.

The system will use next-generation technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning and virtual reality to simulate hydropower generation, transmission and distribution systems. The simulations can predict plant performance under various types of market demand and complexities. About 50 hydropower plants in the U.S. have been in service since 1908, and this aging fleet requires preventive maintenance. By predicting and planning for components that need to be replaced or updated, the hydropower industry can maintain flexible and reliable energy services.

When completed, the platform is expected to create a library of U.S. hydropower plants so that users can adapt their plant based on others demonstrated to work effectively.