Digital twin technology and the use of AI and machine learning from big data are being put to great use at one of Britain’s busiest rail stations outside London, where small sensors monitoring energy consumption have been installed.
The digital twin technology supplied by start-up company Optimise AI and installed at Bristol Temple Meads as part of the Station Innovation Zone testbed have helped to inform rail managers of efficiency savings that could be found both inside and around the historic building.
Trial of an energy and carbon management digital twin – incorporating a 3D visualisation of the station – have shown that electricity consumption at Temple Meads has the potential to be reduced by as much as a third. This could be achieved by introducing static measures (such as new windows, doors, better insulation, heat pumps or LED lighting) or with dynamic approaches (changing heating levels or intensity of illumination).
Introduction of the technology to site as part of the Station Innovation Zone trial was overseen by Connected Places Catapult working alongside Network Rail.