Abstract
This chapter discusses the use of the digital twin concept for marine renewable energy systems, including wave, tidal, and offshore wind energy. Marine renewable energy systems have recently seen increased usage of digital twins in their design and control optimization. The digital twin methodology may facilitate a more effective and precise design process for maritime renewable energy system components. The design cycle time for maritime converters may be shortened and their overall efficiency may be increased by allowing designers to test and evaluate their ideas in a virtual environment. This chapter investigates the application of the digital twin concept to all possible types of marine renewable energy systems, including offshore wind, in real time and provides insights into the system’s performance and areas for improvement. The operational dependability of maritime converters may be enhanced by using cutting-edge control algorithms within the digital twin technology. Digital twins may recreate real-world circumstances and evaluate alternative control algorithms in a virtual environment utilizing real-time data from actual buoys or wind turbines in the sea. It will aid designers and operators in enhancing the efficiency and dependability of maritime converters by revealing hidden problems. Moreover, digital twins may be employed to lessen the financial burden of traditionally evaluating maritime equipment. As such, designers can optimize their design using the digital twin before physical testing, resulting in significant time and cost savings. By leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, energy forecasting, and predictive maintenance solutions as integral parts of digital twins, they can make informed decisions and enhance overall efficiency. In conclusion, the digital twin technology is becoming an exciting new tool for the design and control optimization of maritime renewable energy systems.