Innovation Fall 2025

Digital Twin Applications for Critical Infrastructure Resilience Wednesday, October 29 10:30 a.m.

This presentation explores the transformative role of Digital Twin technology in enhancing the resilience, performance, and security of critical infrastructure. Attendees will gain insights into how Digital Twins can simulate real-time operations,

predict failures, and optimize maintenance strategies. The session will highlight practical case studies, focusing on power systems, transportation networks, buildings, and industrial facilities.

PRESENTERS

Dr. Vidya Vankayala

Dr. Moein Manbachi, P.Eng.

Minoo Shariat-Zadeh, P.Eng.

Minoo Shariat-Zadeh, P.Eng., SMIEEE, serves as a project lead with BCIT’s SMART Microgrid Applied Research team.

Dr. Vidya Vankayala, SMIEEE, helped several large utilities in grid modernization, distribution automation, microgrid development, smart energy program management and cyber/physical system security.

Dr. Moein Manbachi, P.Eng., SMIEEE, BCIT faculty, is with the Smart Microgrid Applied Research Team (SMART) at the Centre for Applied Research and Innovation at BCIT.

conditions such as gas leaks, overheating, and equipment wear, while minimizing downtime. In turn, these hazard warnings can help operators monitor motors, pumps, compressors and other equipment for early failure signs. “Digital twins enhance engineering by enabling data driven design, predictive maintenance, and risk-informed decision-making,” Manbachi said. “They are able to bridge the gap between planning and operations, reducing downtime, optimizing performance, and supporting resilient infrastructure development.”

integration, and outage scenarios. Similarly to buildings, digital twins can also track component health, including transformers, substations, and lines. In transportation, digital twins can enable engineers to simulate congestion scenarios and manage traffic situations in real time. Issues like rail wear, bridge stress, and pavement degradation can all be modeled and projected using up-to-the-minute data. In the event of emergencies, digital twins can determine evacuation and/or rerouting strategies. In industrial settings, digital twins can simulate production lines to reduce waste, detect hazardous

Innovation Fall 2025

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