Digital twins application in control systems for distributed generation of heat and electric energy

Abstract

By the emergence of distributed energy resources, with their associated communication and control complexities, there is a need for an efficient platform that can digest all the incoming data and ensure the reliable operation of the power system, which can be achieved by using digital twins. The paper discusses the advantages of using digital twins in the development of control systems and operation of distributed heat and electric power generation facilities. The possibilities of using the digital doubles for increasing the efficiency of the considered objects is presented as the example of optimizing the configuration of a control system of solar collectors in the presence of heat losses in pipelines of the external circuit. Further, the total balance consumed and generated electric and heat energy are presented. Examples of algorithms for protecting equipment to improve security are given, and the possibilities of improving the reliability of distributed power systems are considered. The system use of the digital twins provides the possibility of developing and debugging control algorithms, which increase the efficiency, reliability and safety of control objects, including distributed thermal and electrical power generation complexes.