Implementing Digital Twins for Enhanced Energy Management in Three Case Studies

Digitalization is recognized as a powerful enabler for decarbonizing the building sector. The International Energy Agency has highlighted its potential to improve safety, productivity, accessibility, and sustainability of energy systems. This work aims to present innovative applications of digital twins within the European Project DigiBUILD, focusing on optimizing energy systems for enhanced efficiency and reduced carbon footprint. The architecture of the developed digital twins w detailed, focusing on data collection, services description, and their implementation. Through three detailed case studies, the paper explores real applications of digital twins: the Heron pilot, whose aim is to manage a cluster of buildings and optimally charges electric vehicles to reduce carbon emissions; Veolia, where a district heating networks to optimally manage heat sources in the production plant to reduce gas consumption and emissions; and Emotion, focusing on a building equipped with photovoltaic panels and electric vehicles and implementing services for optimal vehicle charging to maximize self-consumption, in day-ahead scheduling but also in real time. A discussion finally highlights the challenges and limitations encountered in the deployment of digital twins, emphasizing the importance of user interaction in facilitating efficient energy management. This research contributes in underlining the significant potential of digital twins in advancing the digitalization of the energy sector, contributing to the European Union's goals for sustainability and reduced environmental impact.