An instructing framework for digital twins within virtual commissioning

Abstract: This thesis project aims to develop an instructing framework, concerning digital twin-based virtual commissioning, suitable for practical applications within the industrial sphere. The objectives set for the project are focused on constructing a framework which covers the initial specification, creation, development, and implementation of DTs within the circumstances of virtual commissioning. A literature review was performed to investigate the current state of the related academic fields. The gathered findings of the literary exploration were subsequently utilized to generate an initial framework. To test the instructing quality of the framework, a case study was conducted, involving the construction of a DT based on a real-world production process. Additional knowledge could be retrieved from the reflections of the case study, which prompted further alterations to the framework. The framework's final iteration covers the complete commissioning process, emphasising the virtual parts thatoccur at the beginning. In addition, the framework further shows how industrial organisations may store and repurpose DTs within their business practices. Suggested secondary applications of fully developed DTs were presented and discussed, including their impacting effects on supporting sustainable business practices.Therefore, it can be argued that the framework itself can be seen as a tool for supporting manufacturers to accentuate the presence of sustainability within their organisations.