A Framework for Trustworthy Digital Twins Over their Lifecycle

Abstract

Abstract Digital twins, replicating the physical assets they represent and working safely, effectively, and efficiently, can provide trustworthy results within well-defined limits and to a stated level of confidence. Capability and trustworthiness over time requires assurance processes and a methodology to assess and qualify the digital twin solutions. The purpose of a continuous assurance process is to ensure that the capabilities remain valid over time. A standard (DNV-RP-A204, 2023) for the qualification and assurance of digital twins has been developed and released recently. The framework in this standard was developed in close cooperation with the industry, including offshore floating and subsea facilities operators, and is currently being used across the energy sector by both technology vendors, engineering companies and operators. The ability to execute a specified action or achieve a specified outcome, based on real time situational awareness and decision support, will define the capability level of the digital twin, moving from descriptive to predictive to automated. Digital twins are becoming more data-driven and digitalized and should be prepared for automated decision making. The framework presented within the standard (DNV-RP-A204, 2023) addresses requirements to the functionality, technology integration, operations, the digital twin platform, including data quality and cyber security aspects, and requirements to the organization developing and operating digital twins. For each of these areas, clearly defined working and quality assurance processes and requirements have been defined and described. Keeping a digital twin trustworthy and valid over time is a key challenge. The digital twin solutions need to be identified and managed as a key system, integrated in existing work processes, subjected to management of change processes, and continuously updated to accurately represent the physical asset at any time. All stakeholders need to implement tools and processes to monitor, assess and manage all relevant changes, which shall be verified. This paper presents the philosophy and framework of the methodology from DNV-RP-A204 in the context of developing and operating a digital asset, as well as learnings from completed and ongoing projects.