Efficient Thermal-Energy-Storage Chiller Plant Facility Management with Digital Twin-assisted Augmented Reality Application

Abstract

This study investigates the promising potential of integrating Augmented Reality (AR) and Digital Twin (DT) technologies within the context of Thermal-Energy-Storage (TES) chiller plants' facility management. The objective is to address the challenges posed by noise and discomfort, while also enhancing the efficiency of maintenance tasks. Drawing insights from a survey involving 17 facility management experts, the research unveils that 76.47% of respondents perceived the chiller plant environment as noisy, with 35.29% reporting discomfort. The outcomes reveal a clear inclination towards AR, preferred over Virtual Reality (VR) due to its accessibility and user-friendliness, requiring no additional equipment. Participants laud the remote accessibility and real-time updates facilitated by the AR application enriched with DT assistance. Nevertheless, the study underscores the importance of factoring in hardware limitations and device compatibility during the implementation of AR solutions. Overall, the outcomes affirm the viability and advantages of harnessing AR and DT technologies for enhancing facility management practices in TES chiller plants, all the while acknowledging the avenues for future research and enhancements.