Digital twins for structural condition assessment of power stations
by
Global Infrastructure Hub Content team
for
Global Infrastructure Hub
Recommended by
The article outlines the digital twin project for Turlough Hill Power Station in Ireland:
- The top drivers of the project
- Desired outcomes
- Top barriers
- Value created
- Policy tools and levers: funding and financing, scalability
- Risks and mitigations: implementation, economic, social, safety and security
Why it’s relevant to Nextspace
This case study is relevant to Nextspace Partners beyond those who deal directly with power stations.
- The asset is hard to inspect and there was little analogue data that could be used to build the 3D digital twin
- Near-real-time regular loading conditions and inspection data (not real-time)
- Commitment. Access to the right engineers and data to work through the initial challenges, and continued evaluation of the impact of the new cycles of operation to continue evolving understanding and potential impact
Results included:
- A full understanding of the level of safety and the boundaries for the safe operation of this mature asset
- Avoidance of detailed assessments followed by structural work (EUR100m) and refurbishment of the main water distribution system (EUR100m+)
- Inspection scopes reduced by 30-40% saving EUR200k per inspection
This case study illustrates a critical environmental benefit, extending the life of old assets, rather than building new ones – helping the transition to a low-carbon economy.
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