A DIGITAL twin is a virtual copy of practically anything in the real world. The technology is so advanced that it can, not only help design structures but also helps in its upkeep by simulating scenarios and acting upon these.
The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) recently introduced its own digital twin laboratory designed to play an integral role in the distribution utility’s efforts. Digital ‘twinning’ technologies allow it to futureproof its business operations and contribute to the advancement of the country’s energy industry.
A state-of-the-art facility, called the Powertech Innovation and eXperience Lab (PIXL), is Meralco’s digital twin lab, basically a virtual world rendering studio and metaverse that uses real world data for training and education that uses real world data to create simulations for training and education.
PIXL can perform a variety of functions critical to the power distributor’s mandate to deliver reliable and stable electricity service to its customers. These include technology scanning, proof of concept, prototype development, extended reality previews of different vital facilities such as substations and business centers, simulations of critical incident resolutions, distant learning, knowledge transfer, and remote support.
Featuring 10 short-throw high-definition projectors, a 360-degree projection wall, LED lights, and extended reality devices such as Microsoft HoloLens, and Oculus VR headset, PIXL is a state-of-the-art facility that aims to drive the use of new technologies for the energy industry to achieve the country’s smart grid vision.
Smart grid is the integration of innovative systems to the power grid for improved generation and distribution of electricity.
“The most important digital strategy we have is the digitalization of the grid. Making the grid smarter entails a lot of new investments in technology. We are looking to smart substations, smart meters, advanced metering infrastructure and advanced network infrastructure, all of which taken together would make the grid much smarter and more digital,” Meralco President and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Ray C. Espinosa said.
According to Rocky D. Bacani, Meralco’s First Vice President for Information, Communication, Technology and Transformation (ICTT), PIXL is aligned with the power distributor’s digital transformation goals and forms part of its efforts to find new growth opportunities for customers, employees, and the future generation of engineers.
PIXL is also envisioned to serve as a venue for co-innovation initiatives with the academe, regulators, other electric cooperatives, and distribution utilities in the Philippines or even other countries.
“The way we want to use PIXL is like a studio where you can teleport to any location you want and be able to experience that in a digital reality,” said Bacani, who is also Meralco’s Chief Information and Technology Officer.
Powered by a solid data-driven strategy and years of industry experience, Meralco has embraced digital transformation through its Customer Centricity Transformation Program and Digital Projects — a holistic and end-to-end approach that aims to improve customer touchpoints, and level up operational efficiencies and services to achieve better customer experience.
In 2021, Meralco started utilizing ICT Operations Platform and Telecommunications Integrated Command Center (OPTIC), a new command and control center which manages all information, communication, and technology systems of the distribution utility. The facility aims to reduce unplanned downtime of critical ICT systems, increase productivity of employees, and enhance service delivery to customers.
