A Novel Digital Twin Framework With Hardware-in-the-Loop for Engine Systems

Digital twin plays an important role on realizing the digitization and intelligence of the smart engine for the maritime intelligent transportation systems. However, digital twin modeling of the engine systems faces the challenges of multidisciplinary knowledge, multi-scale, real time, complex structure, etc. In this study, the hardware-in-the-loop technology is introduced into the digital twin modeling processes. A six-dimension digital twin model framework is proposed, which contains physical entity, hardware-in-the-loop, virtual equipment, application service, digital twin data, and connections. The digital twin framework is described in detail for the engine system. The application of the hardware-in-the-loop in the digital twin modeling is further expounded with the example of a single-cylinder engine test bench. The new digital twin model framework and modeling method will be benefit for the construction of digital twin for complex systems such as power plants, vehicles, ships, etc.