Digital twins
Digital twins are transforming the way we design, monitor and manage complex systems. In this masterclass, you will gain insight into the technology, learn from concrete use cases and discover how to get started yourself. With inspiring speakers from the industry and a hands-on architecture session, we provide you with all the tools you need to effectively implement digital twins within your organisation. In preparation, you will get access to an online learning module developed by Deftiq, so you can start the session well prepared.
PROGRAM
- 12:00 - 13:00 - Sandwich lunch
- 13:00 - 14:00 - Introduction to Digital Twins (Charlotte Larmuseau)
- 14:00 - 14:30 - Tidal turbines, data and digital twins (Jeremy Smith, Tocardo)
- 14:30 - 15:00 - DT upside-down in offshore energy storage (Andrew Borg, FLASC)
- 15:00 - 15:30 - Smart blade monitoring with drones and sensors (Jeroen Verschelling, AirTUB - WCM)
- 15:30 - 15:45 - Break
- 15:45 - 16:45 - Workshop 'introduction to digital shadows' (Sam Vandewalle)
- 16:45 - 17:15 - Q&A
TARGET GROUP
This masterclass is aimed at professionals, students and companies within the blue economy who are considering implementing digital twins or want to learn more about them. Whether you operate in offshore energy, maritime technology or aquaculture, this session will help you take the next step.
TAKEAWAYS AFTER THIS MASTERCLASS
- You understand the core principles of digital twins and their applications.
- You will learn from practical examples how digital twins contribute to innovation and efficiency.
- You will know how to set up the architecture of a digital twin and which steps to take.
- You will be ready to integrate digital twin technology in your organisation and projects.
Date
15 May 2025
12h to 17h15
Price
Professional (full) - 295 euro
Professional (early bird) - 215 euro
Student - 55 euro
Location
Bluebridge, Ostend Science Park,
Wetenschapspark 1, 8400 Oostende
MEET THE SPEAKERS
Charlotte Larmuseau
Smart Tech Lab Manager, Hitlab Howest
Charlotte is the coordinating manager of HITLAB, AI Lab and Energy Lab. Charlotte is responsible for networking with companies and organisations, monitoring and coordinating projects and managing the various project teams. Charlotte holds a master's degree in educational sciences (UGent), and a post-master's degree in international business economics and policy (KU Leuven). She obtained a joint PhD in pedagogy and computer science from KU Leuven and the Université de Lille.
Jeremy Smith
Co-Director Tocardo, Tocardo
Jeremy is an experienced and Masters qualified Naval Architect with minor undergraduate degree in physical oceanography. He has over two decades of experience in working within defence research community, specialising in the field of numerical modelling and fluid structure Interactions (FSI) of marine propellers and appendages leading on several, high profile, MoD research projects.
Andrew Borg
Simulation Engineer, FLASC
Apart from Andrew's role at FLASC, he is currently reading for a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Malta and holds a master's degree in Offshore Engineering from the University of Southampton. Andrew has previously developed numerical models to analyse hydraulic machinery aimed at reducing power intermittency. At FLASC, Andrew is developing a Digital Twin of the system and supporting technical development towards physical implementation.
Jeroen Verschelling
Project Manager AirTUB-Romi, Fieldlab Zephyros
Jeroen Verschelling has more than 25 years of experience in renewable energy projects (solar PV and wind energy) and is currently project manager of the AIRTUB-Romi project in which a large, multidisciplinary consortium aims at developing automated monitoring and inspection of off-shore windturbine blades.
Sam Van de Walle
XR developer, Hitlab Howest
Sam is a game developer with over 5 years of experience in C# and C++, specializing in XR development. His work focuses on creating immersive VR applications that bridge the gap between virtual and real-world data. These applications range from integrating user biometric feedback to connecting machines that interact with or are influenced by the VR environment.
DETAILED PROGRAM
12:00 - 13:00 | Sandwich lunch
13:00 - 14:00 | Introduction Digital Twins | Charlotte Larmuseau
Charlotte takes you on a journey through the world of digital twins, from digital shadow to full-fledged digital twin. She explains how this technology not only enhances simulations, but also offers tangible commercial and financial benefits, such as faster prototyping and more efficient production processes. What makes this session extra special? The integration of game engines for realistic 3D visualisations, really bringing digital models to life. Charlotte will also share inspiring examples from projects on smart cities and industrial digital twins.
14:00 - 14:30 | Digital twins and AI at tidal turbines: how Tocardo uses six years of data for innovation | Jeremy Smith
During this session, you will discover how Tocardo is applying digital twin technology in their tidal turbine project in the Eastern Scheldt. Using six years of operational data, the digital twin is continuously refined with AI and machine learning. This enables Tocardo to optimise real-time performance, predict maintenance and gain insights that would otherwise remain invisible. Linking with the SCADA system provides a unique opportunity to learn how historical and live data come together for an accurate digital representation of an operating offshore rig.
14:30 - 15:00 |Modelling and Simulating FLASC's Offshore Hydro-Pneumatic Energy Storage System - Andrew Borg
Digital Twins are virtual models that replicate physical objects, systems, or processes. FLASC's approach is different, with the Digital Twin being built in tandem with its physical pilot project. Through this presentation, FLASC will delve into how the Digital Twin is being developed, and how it is already being used prior to having the latest physical model to compare to.
15:00 - 15:30 | Digital Twins and Drone-Inspections: innovative monitoring of offshore windturbine blades | Jeroen Verschelling
As part of the AIRTUB-Romi project, in which a large, multidisciplinary consortium aims at developing automated monitoring and inspection of off-shore windturbine blades, a digital twin (DT) of a windturbine blade is developed by TNO. This DT will be ‘fed’ with data from blade sensors that have been installed recently in a blade of a Vestas V80 windturbine. The DT, with the data from the blade sensors, will help to identify ‘regions of interest’ on the blades, which will then be inspected with a drone that will land on the blade with an ultrasonic sensor that can ‘look’ inside the blade for for structural problems.
15:30 - 15:45 | Break
15:45 - 16:45 | Workshop: Introduction to Digital Shadow | Sam Van de Walle
Join us for an engaging workshop about digital shadows, where you'll get a hands-on introduction to setting up a digital shadow (a form of digital twin). We’ll dive into connecting SketchUp to Unreal Engine and Twinmotion to create realistic VR digital twins and explore how to link simulation software to Unity for seamless simulation data transfer. The session will also feature real-world examples of projects we've developed at HitLab, showcasing the practical applications of this cutting-edge technology. Whether you're a beginner or just curious about digital twins, this is the perfect starting point!
16:45 - 17:15 | Q&A
Discover the power of digital twins during this master class.
Register via the link.
Questions? Contact us!
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