An Iterative Lifecycle Model for Engineering and Operating Digital Twins

Abstract

Digital Twins (DTs) play a key role in shaping intelligent ecosystems. They create precise digital representations of components, harmonizing the virtual and physical worlds. Traditional DT design processes do not cover the complete lifecycle, as a result of high evolution complexity, leading to integration challenges. Addressing those barriers and inspired by the software development and operations (DevOps) framework, this article introduces a methodology to offer a more adaptable and holistic DT lifecycle approach. It integrates existing DevOps phases with DT-specific aspects, representing the evolution and operation progress of DT components. The methodology is embodied in a comprehensive and adaptable development, operate, monitor, and analysis (DevOMA) lifecycle model, which is designed to evolve and operate all components of a DT. A feasibility study applied the DevOMA lifecycle model to deploy and operate a DT for research purposes in the industrial energy sector. This DT represents a laboratory-scale distributed energy system, enabling the optimization of its components and various scenarios. This article aims to contribute to the advancement of engineering and operating DTs through handling their complexity while offering a flexible DevOMA lifecycle model, proven in a real-world case study.