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Digital Twin Tech cuts ‘Phantom Load’ by 82%, saves university £9k annually, Research Shows
A breakthrough digital twin system developed by engineers at the University of Glasgow could help organisations save thousands of pounds. The new device will significantly reduce their carbon footprint by targeting a hidden source of energy waste: ‘phantom load’.
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Phantom load refers to the electricity consumed by devices like computers, monitors, and printers when they are plugged in but not actively in use. Research indicates this idle power can account for up to a third of an office building’s total electricity use.
The new intelligent system was developed at the university’s James Watt School of Engineering. It uses smart sensors and fuzzy-logic algorithms to monitor, predict, and automatically manage this wasteful consumption.
How the Smart Digital Twin System Works
The system creates a dynamic, data-driven virtual model—a digital twin—of a building’s energy use. Here’s how it operates:
- Real-Time Monitoring: A network of smart energy sensors collects live electricity usage data from individual devices and sends it via the LoRaWAN IoT protocol.
- Intelligent Analysis: Sophisticated fuzzy-logic algorithms on a central server analyse the data to accurately distinguish between active use and phantom load.
- Interactive & Automated Action: When a device is idle for too long, the system sends a prompt to the user. If no response is received (confirming the device is not needed for background tasks), it can automatically power down the equipment, cutting off the phantom load entirely.
This approach combines user awareness with automated efficiency, preventing disruption to legitimate work while eliminating waste.
Proven Results: 40% Less Power, Major Cost Savings
The research team validated their prototype in a university lab with over 30 devices. The results are compelling:
- The system reduced the lab workstations’ total power consumption by around 40% per week.
- It specifically targeted and slashed phantom load by 82%.
- Scaled across the university, the tool is estimated to save approximately £9,000 in annual electricity costs.
“I’m a firm believer that small, collective actions on climate issues can have big effects. Our system helps organisations reduce power waste in two ways: by cutting consumption and emissions in real time, and by extending the life of existing equipment, saving on replacement costs,” said lead researcher Dr. Ahmad Taha.
A Scalable Tool for the Net-Zero Future
The technology is presented as a key innovation for achieving net-zero emissions. Dr. Taha highlights its potential for integration into broader building management systems that monitor occupancy and temperature, forming a comprehensive digital approach to sustainability.
The team’s paper, ‘Edge-Enabled Digital Twin System with Fuzzy Logic for Energy Optimization in the Built Environment’, will be presented at the prestigious 2025 IEEE Global Communications Conference (GLOBECOM) in Taipei. The research paves the way for the system’s future application in businesses, other universities, and even homes worldwide.
