Digital Twins, transforming energy management for a more sustainable future

• The Digital Twins project, led as part of an industrial doctorate, has succeeded in developing an innovative technology to monitor and optimize electrical networks in real time, reducing costs and facilitating the integration of renewable energies. • This solution has already become a product marketed by iGrid T&D and deployed in a Catalan distributor, exemplifying the success of applied research.

Efficiency and reliability of electrical networks

In a world that is moving towards a sustainable energy transition, the search for tools that guarantee the efficiency and reliability of electrical networks has become a strategic priority for the energy sector . In addition, the increase in renewable energies in the electrical system poses unprecedented challenges for the management of these electrical networks. In the context of the project analyzed in this report, one of the main challenges to facilitate the integration of renewable energies into the electricity networks is to increase their observability and improve agility in data analysis . To achieve this, the team of this Digital Twins project works to give medium and small distributors a complete view of their electricity grid , combining iGrid T&D equipment, electricity algorithms and artificial intelligence to obtain a knowledge advanced and accessible of the current and future state of the network.

The team behind this industrial doctorate combines academic expertise and business knowledge, with the aim of developing innovative solutions for electrical networks . PhD student Ignacio Glenny Crende , in collaboration with the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) and the company iGrid T&D, is working to develop advanced tools that contribute to the digitization and monitoring of electrical networks. His research is directed under the supervision of Eduardo Prieto Araujo , a recognized researcher in the field of electrical engineering with an outstanding career in energy systems and renewable technologies, and of Vinícius Albernaz Lacerda , an expert in energy systems, with relevant publications that reflect their academic and applied contribution. Yolanda Castellon , owner of iGrid T&D , brings the strategic and practical vision of a company with more than 15 years of experience in control and monitoring solutions for the energy sector.

iGrid T&D, based in Catalonia, stands out for its ability to innovate in the field of remote control of electrical networks, as evidenced by its track record in the implementation of pioneering digital technologies. This experience positions the company as a key piece in this project, offering the tools and knowledge necessary to transform research results into practical solutions that can be integrated into the sector. With this multidisciplinary collaboration, the team combines the advantages of academic research with industrial applicability, guaranteeing a tangible impact on the efficiency and sustainability of the electricity system.

In this context, the project works on the development of new tools based on Digital Twins to optimize the planning and control of electrical networks . That is, a low-cost digital twin of the electricity network in medium and small distributors, so that they can obtain a complete view of the current and future state of their network. The company iGrid T&D, promoter of the project, provides consolidated experience in the development of technologies for the energy sector. In summary, the project addresses one of the most significant challenges in the current energy sector: " increase the real-time monitoring capacity of the electrical networks where it is applied, with the aim of achieving this without massively deploying sensors, but with an intelligent strategy ", points out Prieto, underlining the efficiency of the system.

Thanks to the integration of academic and business knowledge, this project exemplifies the potential of Digital Twins to virtually replicate the behavior of networks, anticipate incidents and offer adapted solutions in real time . With this technology, the aim is not only to maximize operational efficiency, but also to contribute to global sustainability, in line with the goals of the energy transition.

This is a clear example of how Industrial Doctorates promote applied innovation in strategic sectors, combining advanced research and real market needs. The project not only responds to the current demands of the energy sector, but also aligns with the major technological and environmental challenges that define the future of energy management in Catalonia.

Solving problems in the energy sector

The importance of this project lies in its direct application to the resolution of real problems in the energy sector . Current electricity networks must adapt to a dynamic context where the integration of renewable energies, such as wind or the solar, generates fluctuations that challenge the balance and reliability of the system.

Its application not only improves the efficiency in the distribution of energy, but also contributes to increasing the reliability and security of the electrical system , which requires an advanced analytical capacity to foresee scenarios, identify risks and make informed decisions that improve the efficiency and sustainability of the system. The main application of the technology developed by the project is the estimation of states of the electrical network . This consists of combining parametric information about the different elements that make up the network with real-time measurements. In this way, approximate values can be obtained for the "dark spots" of the distribution network , that is to say, those areas that usually have a very low level of monitoring. With the system developed by the project, Prieto emphasizes that " operators will have a high knowledge of the state of the network in real time, and this allows networks to be operated closer to their technical limits, relaxing conservative limits ".

In addition, the project not only responds to a technical need but also to a strategic demand. At a time when digitization is transforming all industrial sectors, Digital Twins are emerging as a valuable technology for generating virtual models that enable the simulation, analysis and performance improvement of complex systems . In this sense, the project team develops a consumption estimation system that combines prediction values with real-time measurements: “ our system takes available parametric and historical information and combines it with real-time data to be able to give an estimate of the state of the system as a whole ", details Glenny, emphasizing the integrative nature of the solution.

Based on the measured voltage and current data in the vicinity of each load, much more precise consumption values are obtained, which also make it possible to estimate the losses in the different sections of the system. This simulation or digital replica of the system allows access to information that cannot be obtained directly from the available data. " Getting the most out of the data we have, deploying a number of devices in a sustainable way in the network that allow us to obtain a representation of the network with a high fidelity ", is, according to the team, one of the pillars centers of the project.

Another essential aspect is the reduction of costs and risks associated with the management of electrical networks . Thanks to the ability to identify anomalies and predict potential failures, this technology can anticipate disruptions and avoid operational problems. This not only increases the reliability of the network, but also optimizes the resources required for its maintenance and operation .

In terms of project development, the applied methodology includes advanced artificial intelligence techniques, such as machine learning and statistical analysis, to create models capable of adapting to changing network conditions . This is particularly important in the context of the integration of renewable energies, which introduce significant variability in energy production and consumption. The use of these techniques makes it possible to better manage this variability and ensure the stability of the system.

On the other hand, the project dynamically incorporates simulations as a key tool to test different scenarios and solutions, which could allow analyzing the impact of operational changes or new energy policies before their actual implementation. We could say that, in a way, the Digital Twins project becomes a virtual laboratory to experiment with strategies that maximize the efficiency and sustainability of the electricity system.

The project also highlights the importance of collaboration between the academic world and private business . In this sense, iGrid T&D, a company specialized in solutions for the monitoring and control of electrical networks, contributes its practical knowledge and the necessary technological resources to implement the results of the research. According to Castellón, this collaboration has been key to developing a product that responds to the specific needs of the market: " we found the opportunity to develop and implement this project, we obtained an innovative product adapted to the needs of small and medium-sized distributors electrical ".

For its part, the academic management of the project ensures that the scientific work has a solid foundation and that it is integrated into the general advancement of knowledge in this field. This multidisciplinary approach not only addresses the challenges of the sector but also contributes to training highly qualified talent , preparing professionals like Ignacio to lead innovation in a critical sector for the energy sector. The relevance of the project is evident not only for its possible technical and economic impacts, but also for its contribution to sustainable development and the digitization of the electrical infrastructure.

From right to left Eduardo Prieto, industrial PhD student Ignacio Glenny and Francesca Rossi from CITCEA-UPC.

Challenges in project development

During the execution of this innovative project, the team had to face several challenges that tested their ability to adapt and resolve. One of the main challenges has been managing the intrinsic complexity of electrical networks . These networks are highly dynamic systems, with multiple interdependent factors that require accurate modeling in order to create reliable and effective Digital Twins. The team highlighted that one of the main challenges has been ensuring that the virtual model is sufficiently accurate and detailed to faithfully represent the behavior of the real network, without compromising computational efficiency.

Another notable challenge has been the integration of a wide variety of data from various sources , such as network sensors, weather data and energy demand predictions. Glenny acknowledges that " the availability of measures has been one of the clearest and most interesting challenges. The low degree of monitoring in the electrical distribution has forced us to develop estimation and analysis systems that we had not originally considered ", exemplifying the innovation necessary to overcome these obstacles.

In addition, the rapidly evolving technological context has represented an additional challenge. Keeping up with the latest trends in digital technologies, artificial intelligence algorithms and smart grid management solutions has been essential to ensure the project remains at the cutting edge.

Finally, the collaboration between the different actors involved in the project – company, university and doctoral student – has also involved the need to manage diverse perspectives and coordinate efforts in order to achieve a common goal . This interaction has required fluid communication and a shared vision to overcome barriers and take advantage of synergies: “ being an industrial PhD, we have always tried to work bearing in mind that the final application should work in a real system. This has increased the complexity compared to other works where perhaps this application is not so immediate ", argues Prieto, highlighting the added value of the practical collaboration between the different actors.

Despite these challenges, the project team has demonstrated a great capacity for innovation and perseverance, turning these difficulties into opportunities to generate knowledge and advance applied research . His experience highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration to overcome the complexities inherent in advanced research projects and to achieve solutions with a real impact on the energy sector. According to Castellón, " incorporating the spirit and foundations of university research and study into the company allows us to align ourselves with the reality that is to come", a vision that exemplifies the synergy between academic innovation and business practice.

Impact of project results

In terms of the expected impact, the project raises benefits in several areas. On an industrial scale, the solutions developed have the potential to substantially improve the efficiency of electrical networks, reducing losses and increasing system reliability . This could translate into a decrease in energy costs, with a positive impact for companies and consumers: " we hope that iGrid T&D will continue to commercialize new projects based on this technology, and that from the UPC we will be able to collaborate with them to improve it, developing new tools that expand the functionalities of the Digital Twins ", comments the team.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the project is the rapid translation of research into the business world. According to Eduardo Prieto, the result has become an iGrid T&D product and has already been deployed in a Catalan distribution company, an unusual fact that demonstrates the success of an industrial and applied approach, typical of doctorates industrial Also, Castellon points out the challenge of getting the product integrated and used effectively in the day-to-day life of a distributor in such a short time.

From a business point of view, the project offers a key competitive advantage for the partner company , iGrid T&D, in the development of advanced solutions adapted to the needs of the energy market. This not only strengthens its position as a technology leader for electrical networks, but also opens up new market opportunities both nationally and internationally . For Castellon, " seeing how, little by little, the ideas are turning into functionalities of the iGrid products has been quite a challenge. A challenge that has allowed us to learn together and that has left us wanting to repeat the experience ", a statement that highlights the success of the collaboration.

In the environmental field, the project contributes to sustainability thanks to its ability to promote the use of renewable energies , as well as optimizing its integration into networks means making better use of natural resources and reducing carbon emissions associated with energy production.

Even from a social point of view, the project provides technological solutions that can guarantee safer and more stable access to energy, an essential factor for socio-economic development . In addition, it reinforces the role of research and innovation as drivers of progress in a strategic sector such as energy.