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Digital Twins for Enhancing Efficiency and Assuring Safety in Renewable Energy Systems: A Systematic Literature Review

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  • Razeen Hashmi

    (School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
    Hydrogen 4.0 Lab, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia)

  • Huai Liu

    (School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia)

  • Ali Yavari

    (School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
    Hydrogen 4.0 Lab, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
    6G Research and Innovation Lab, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia)

Abstract

As the demand for sustainable energy solutions grows, there is a critical requirement for continuous innovation to optimize the performance and safety of renewable energy systems (RESs). Closed-loop digital twins (CLDTs)—synchronized virtual replicas embedded with real-time data and control loops to mirror the behavior of physical systems—have emerged as a promising tool for achieving this goal. This paper presents a systematic literature review on the application of digital twin (DT) technology in the context of RESs with an emphasis on the impact of DTs on the efficiency, performance, and safety assurance of RESs. It explores the concept of CLDTs, highlighting their key functionalities and potential benefits for various renewable energy technologies. However, their effective implementation requires a structured approach to integrate observation, orientation, decision, and action (OODA) processes. This study presents a novel OODA framework specifically designed for CLDTs to systematically identify and manage their key components. These components include real-time monitoring, decision-making, and actuation. The comparison is carried out against the capabilities of DT utilizing the OODA framework. By analyzing the current literature, this review explores how DT empowers RESs with enhanced efficiency, reduced risks, and improved safety assurance.

Suggested Citation

  • Razeen Hashmi & Huai Liu & Ali Yavari, 2024. "Digital Twins for Enhancing Efficiency and Assuring Safety in Renewable Energy Systems: A Systematic Literature Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-34, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:11:p:2456-:d:1398810
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hossein Omrany & Karam M. Al-Obaidi & Amreen Husain & Amirhosein Ghaffarianhoseini, 2023. "Digital Twins in the Construction Industry: A Comprehensive Review of Current Implementations, Enabling Technologies, and Future Directions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-26, July.
    2. Granacher, Julia & Nguyen, Tuong-Van & Castro-Amoedo, Rafael & Maréchal, François, 2022. "Overcoming decision paralysis—A digital twin for decision making in energy system design," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 306(PA).
    3. Kalina, Jacek, 2023. "The quest for game changers - Review of new trends and innovations in the design of large-scale energy systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 277(C).
    4. Davide Ghedalia & Francesco Leotta & Massimo Mecella, 2020. "Realizing Smart Manufacturing Architectures through Digital Twin Frameworks," DIAG Technical Reports 2020-02, Department of Computer, Control and Management Engineering, Universita' degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza".
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    1. Artur Pawelec & Agnieszka Pawlak & Aleksandra Pyk & Paweł Grzegorz Kossakowski, 2024. "Research on the Possibilities of Expanding the Photovoltaic Installation in the Microgrid Structure of Kielce University of Technology Using Digital Twin Technology," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-14, October.
    2. Artur Machalski & Przemysław Szulc & Dominik Błoński & Aneta Nycz & Magdalena Nemś & Janusz Skrzypacz & Przemysław Janik & Zuzanna Satława, 2025. "The Concept of a Digital Twin for the Wały Śląskie Hydroelectric Power Plant: A Case Study in Poland," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-18, April.

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