H2TWIN – Advanced Digital Twin for the Optimization of Renewable Energy Plants with Hydrogen and BESS Storage Systems

The increasing penetration of variable renewable energy sources, coupled with the growing role of energy storage and green hydrogen, requires advanced digital tools capable of simulating and optimizing complex energy systems. In response to this challenge, H2TWIN introduces a next-generation platform based on Digital Twin technology, specifically designed to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and integration of renewable assets.

Project Overview

H2TWIN is an innovative initiative aimed at developing digital models for the simulation, forecasting, and optimization of hybrid energy systems. These systems typically combine photovoltaic (PV) and wind generation with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and green hydrogen production. The project supports intelligent sector integration and addresses key issues such as intermittency, load balancing, and system-level optimization.

Funded under the European Union’s NextGenerationEU program through Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) – Mission 4 “Education and Research”, Component 2 “From Research to Business”, Investment Line 1.3 – H2TWIN is part of the Extended Partnership NEST (Network 4 Energy Sustainable Transition), coordinated by the University of Naples Federico II, within Spoke 7 “Smart Sector Integration.”

 Technological Components

H2TWIN delivers a modular architecture composed of three core technological pillars:

  1. Digital Modeling and Simulation
    The system generates accurate Digital Twin representations of energy assets, including PV plants, wind farms, storage systems, and hydrogen units, starting from datasheets of actual devices. These models reproduce the dynamic behavior of the assets and are validated using both mathematical models and real-time operational data.
  2. System Control and Interaction
    Through integrated software and hardware components, H2TWIN enables realistic simulations, based on the reproduction of historical data acquired from real power plants, and advanced remote control of renewable sources thanks to adaptive algorithms. Predictive analytics and real-time data acquisition allow for optimal energy dispatch, load management, and storage operation.
  3. Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance
    H2TWIN incorporates condition-based monitoring strategies to ensure early fault detection and minimize unplanned outages. Predictive maintenance algorithms reduce lifecycle costs and support proactive management of energy infrastructure.


Key Benefits

The deployment of H2TWIN enables more intelligent, resilient, and efficient management of hybrid energy systems. Core benefits include:

  • Enhanced operational performance and longer component lifespan
  • Improved stability and continuity of energy supply
  • Reduction of maintenance and operating costs
  • Better coordination among heterogeneous renewable sources
  • Informed and accelerated decision-making through advanced digital interfaces


Target Stakeholders

H2TWIN is specifically designed to meet the needs of:

  • Operators and asset managers of PV and wind power plants
  • Supervisors of BESS and hydrogen storage facilities
  • Technical teams responsible for production, optimization and asset reliability

 

H2TWIN (CUP E63C22002160007) – is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU within Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), Mission 4 “Education and Research,” Component 2 “From Research to Business,” Investment Line 1.3. The project is part of Spoke 7 “Smart Sector Integration” under the Extended Partnership NEST – Network 4 Energy Sustainable Transition, coordinated by the University of Naples Federico II. 

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