A Framework for Digital Twin Runtime and Lifecycle Management

Digital twins (DTs) are playing an increasingly important role in the implementation of complex energy applications. This paper addresses the challenge of managing DT development and operation across diverse use cases and deployment contexts. It introduces a structured lifecycle schema and a technical framework that combines a common runtime environment with automated model generation. By applying a modular architecture, containerization, and workflow automation to DT models and services, a consistent and streamlined process for the development and operation of DTs is enabled. Based on an open-source implementation of this technical framework, a proof-of-concept example for the development and deployment of a DT is presented. This approach provides a practical foundation for efficient DT implementation, fostering rapid adoption and adaptability in heterogeneous energy systems.