Towards an integrative framework for digital twins in wind power

The present global climate crisis necessitates urgent integration of sustainable and renewable energy resources, coupled with digital technology. Renewable energy stands out as a viable solution, and among the various renewable energy sources, wind power is believed to play a crucial role in this transition. In the era of industrial digitalization, implementing smart monitoring and operation becomes a vital step toward optimizing resource utilization. Consequently, the application of Digital Twins (DT) emerges as a promising approach to enhance power output in the wind energy sector. DTs for energy systems encompass multiple areas of study, such as smart monitoring, big data technology, and advanced physical modeling. While several frameworks exist for structuring DTs, few standardized methods have been established based on the experience gained. To address this gap, the present research proposes an integrative development framework for DTs, tailored explicitly to the aerodynamics of wind turbines, to ensure their successful operation throughout the entire lifecycle, from aggregation to performing actions. A seven-step framework is presented, which identifies the potential components and methods required to create a fully developed DT.