Abstract:
Currently, Kenya supplies its energy demand predominantly through hydroelectric power which fluctuates
due to poor and unpredictable rainfall in particular years. Geothermal energy is proposed as a clean and
reliable energy source in meeting Kenya’s increasing energy demand. During geothermal drilling operations,
disruptions due to tool wear and breakages increases the cost of operation significantly. Some of these causes
can be mitigated by real-time monitoring of the tool head during operations. This paper presents the design
and implementation of a digital twin model of a drilling tool head; represented as a section of a mechatronic
assembly system. The system was modelled in Siemens NX and programmed via Total Integrated
automation (TIA) portal using a Programmable Logic Controller, S7-1200 PLC. The digital model was
programmed to exactly match the operations of the physical system using OPC (open platform
communications) protocol. These operations were verified through motion study by simultaneous running of
the assembly system and digital twin model. The study results substantiated that a digital twin model of a
geothermal drilling operation can closely mimic the physical operation.
