Digital Twins for Reducing Energy Consumption in Buildings: A Review
Buddhika Priyankara Arsecularatne, Navodana Rodrigo, Ruidong Chang
Abstract
This research investigates the use of digital twin (DT) technology to improve building energy management and analyse occupant behaviour. DTs perform the function of acting as virtual replicas of physical assets, which facilitates real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision-making. Consequently, energy performance and occupant comfort can be enhanced. This study evaluates the efficiency of DTs in optimising energy usage by a mix of a systematic literature review and scientometric analysis of 466 articles from the Scopus database. Among the main obstacles noted are interoperability issues, privacy and data quality difficulties, and the requirement for a more thorough integration of digital and physical interactions. The results highlight the necessity of standardised frameworks to direct DT implementations and suggest areas for further study, especially in the areas of improving cybersecurity and incorporating occupant behaviour into DT models. This research makes practical recommendations for using DT technology to increase energy efficiency and sustainability in the built environment.