Researchers at Stony Brook University are developing a Digital Twin Studio designed to bolster the resilience of modern power grids. By creating virtual models of neighborhood energy networks, the team aims to simulate how infrastructure reacts to extreme weather, equipment malfunctions, and shifting energy demands. This initiative utilizes high-performance computing, thermal imaging, and laser-equipped drones to map power lines and vegetation, allowing utilities to proactively address potential failures. With significant initial funding secured, the project seeks to integrate academic research, workforce training, and industry collaboration to modernize grid management and ensure more reliable energy distribution.
The power grid currently faces immense pressure from the integration of renewable energy systems, the rise of electric vehicles, and an increasing reliance on connected technologies. To prevent critical infrastructure failure, the Digital Twin Studio serves as a virtual testing ground where researchers can safely observe the grid’s response to various stressors, including cyberattacks and severe storms. By identifying risks—such as tree branches that could cause outages during wildfires—utilities can perform preventative maintenance, significantly improving the reliability of the energy network.
The project is supported by an initial investment of $550,000, with an additional $300,000 in funding anticipated. Abdelrahim Brown of AERTC and GrIDD emphasized that the studio is intended to be a collaborative hub where students, researchers, and industry partners can work together to shape the platform’s development. The team expects the first version of the studio to be operational by December 2026, with a specialized student training program scheduled to launch by the spring of 2027.
To enhance the project, the team has partnered with the technology company IotaComm. By incorporating data from IotaComm’s Delphi360 platform, the researchers can better monitor the health of physical equipment and integrate device-level modeling. Terrence DeFranco, CEO of IotaComm, noted that this partnership creates a “living-lab” environment. This collaboration allows for the convergence of smart building systems, environmental sensing, and energy research, ultimately making physical infrastructure more adaptive and actionable as the digital twin platform continues to evolve.