In our communication, you may have noticed that we deliberately use the term “digital double” rather than “digital twin.” This is a conscious choice on our part, and I am fully committed to this terminology. Let me explain why.
The term “digital twin” emerged in the 1970s within the industrial sector, coinciding with the advent of computers in design offices. Initially, digital twins were accurate replicas of processes or equipment, created primarily to conduct non-destructive crash tests. This approach was adopted as destroying real vehicles or aircraft proved to be prohibitively expensive.
Over time, the concept of digital twins expanded to other fields, such as production chains, where traditional implementation and testing often resulted in material loss, equipment damage, or waste.A digital twin, therefore, is a virtual replica of a physical object, system, or process. Its primary purpose is to simulate the behaviour, performance, and characteristics of its real-world counterpart. ITo achieve this, a digital twin requires more than just a static or geometric description; it necessitates a dynamic model enriched with detailed structural and environmental data. This allows it to predict how the model will respond to specific stimuli or variations in certain parameters.
If we go back to our core business, the digital twin of a buildingrepresents the most sophisticated iteration of a digital model. It not only captures the geometric shape and structure of a building but also provides insights into its operations and responses to external stimuli. Examples of such stimuli and related analyses include :
- Heat or cold production ↔ Thermal inertia, heat propagation, and thermal bridges
- Sunlight exposure: ↔ Surface temperatures, UV exposure, and light input
- Occupancy ↔ Usage rates, air quality, noise levels, and heat generation
- Activity levels ↔ Operational loads on floors, vibrations, sound propagation, dust, and airborne pathogen
- Radio networks ↔ Signal coverage, strength mapping, speed, and interference
The digital twin builds upon the digital double by introducing dynamic capabilities, enabling a more realistic model. This progression can be categorized into three levels:
- Level 0 (digital double) : A spatially accurate but static and minimally documented model.
- Level 1 (extended digital double) : A static model documented specifically for its intended purpose.
- Level 2 (digital twin) :A dynamic, richly described model that incorporates real-time or archived data for accurate simulations.
The choice between these models depends on the intended use. For instance, a Level 0 digital double may suffice for a simple building extension, while a thermal renovation project would require at least a Level 1 model.
In conclusion, within the building sector, both the digital double and the digital twin serve as digital replicas, but they are fundamentally different. While the digital double is a spatially accurate but static representation, the digital twin provides a higher level of detail, enabling dynamic simulations of building operations.
So, which should you choose—a digital double or a digital twin? The answer depends entirely on the intended application of the spatial data.
