Application of digital twin technology in monitoring system of pump turbine

The advent of advanced productive forces has catalyzed the ongoing evolution of intelligent and digital technologies within the pump-turbine sector. The integration of digital technologies has not only enhanced production efficiency but also facilitated intelligent operation management, offering novel solutions for pump-turbine design and operation, thereby accelerating the digital transformation in fluid machinery. This study first established the theoretical framework of the digital twin system for pump-turbines, followed by the development of a mathematical model and the construction of a twin virtual model utilizing Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) reduction theory. The model’s accuracy was validated through real-time pressure pulsation data, and exploratory investigations into cavitation prediction were subsequently carried out. To enable the visualization of the digital twin system, this study incorporated Open3D (Three-dimensional computer graphics tools) point cloud technology, effectively rendering the state cloud map of the pump-turbine. Finally, by synthesizing the proposed theories and technologies, the digital twin system’s visualization and monitoring for pump-turbines were successfully implemented through the Unity3D simulation platform. This study offers novel insights into intelligent monitoring and prediction of pump-turbines, holding significant implications for the modernization and intelligent advancement of the hydropower industry.