Real-Time Digital Twin for Water Purification Plants¶
Water Quality & Sensors • Est. CapEx: $1,000,000 USD • Lifespan: 7–15 Years
Technical Overview¶
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) created a real-time digital twin linked to a physical pilot water purification plant to reduce energy consumption and operational costs while ensuring safe drinking water. Developed in partnership with UC Irvine and Orange County Water District, the virtual replica can be adapted to drinking water reuse and seawater desalination facilities.
Key Specifications & Engineering Parameters¶
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Category | Water Quality & Sensors |
| Capital Cost (CapEx) | $1,000,000 USD |
| Power / Energy | Electric / Motorized |
| Target Scale | Community Scale |
| Standard Lifespan | 7–15 Years |
| Technology Maturity | Field Tested |
| Primary Mechanism | IoT sensors on the physical plant stream operational data to a virtual replica running physics-based and data-driven models. The digital twin analyzes this real-time data to optimize process parameters—such as chemical dosing and pumping schedules—and predict maintenance needs, thereby reducing energy use and operational expenditure while maintaining water quality. |
Cross-Reference & Interactive Tools¶
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