Application of the Digital Twin for Condition Monitoring and Energy Management of Electrical Loads in Greenhouses

Abstract

In recent years, the development and widespread implementation of energy-saving measures, combined with digital transformation, have increased significantly worldwide. Among digital technologies, Digital Twin (DT) technology is regarded as a potential solution in the agricultural sector. Real-time control of energy consumption and monitoring the operational status of electrical equipment in agricultural production on a digital platform help farmers optimize farming processes, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable farming methodologies. Additionally, DΤ technology, which creates virtual replicas of physical systems, holds significant potential for advancing agricultural practices. The objective of this article is to propose a DT model for managing real-time energy consumption of electrical loads within the agriculture domain and components of DT in smart agriculture. It assesses the impact of DT on crop monitoring, resource management, and precision agriculture, evaluates the economic and environmental benefits of DT adoption in agriculture, and addresses challenges associated with implementing DT technology in farming. The simulation results show that the DT model can help managers choose appropriate methods for managing energy consumption within electrical loads and effectively monitor the agricultural environment.