The Concept of a Digital Twin for the Wały Śląskie Hydroelectric Power Plant: A Case Study in Poland

Abstract

This paper introduces a conceptual framework for the development and implementation of a digital twin specifically designed for the Wały Śląskie Hydroelectric Power Plant. The primary focus is on defining the digital twin concept, addressing critical challenges encountered during its conceptualization, such as incomplete plant documentation, limited real-time data availability, and complexities in system integration. The digital twin architecture developed to address these issues features modular components, including data acquisition, data processing, visualization, and integration layers, emphasizing scalability, adaptability, and secure interoperability. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and AI-based modeling techniques are integrated into the proposed framework as essential tools, providing critical data inputs for efficiency modeling and operational analysis. The proposed digital twin concept ensures accurate and reliable digital representation, facilitating informed decision-making and efficient operational management within hydropower plants.