Twinac: A Universal Framework for Virtual Accelerator Controls

TL;DR

Twinac is a universal, real-time digital twin framework for particle accelerators that enables predictive maintenance, environmental monitoring, and safe experimentation, fostering collaboration among research institutions.

Contribution

It introduces a standardized, accelerator-agnostic virtual control system that facilitates sharing and reuse of simulation approaches across facilities.

Findings

Enables real-time monitoring and control of accelerators.

Supports predictive maintenance and environmental impact analysis.

Promotes collaborative development of virtual accelerator technology.

Abstract

We propose a universal framework for a system of virtual accelerator controls (Twinac), a standard toolkit for research institutions to design, maintain, and use a real-time, end-to-end "digital twin" of their particle accelerator facility. This virtual counterpart will mirror any physical accelerator to provide (1) predictive maintenance; (2) surveillance of hidden environmental factors, such as seasonal temperature variations, which could impact performance of power supplies, magnets, and other instruments; and (3) a capability to model novel ways to operate the accelerator without risking equipment damage. Twinac is envisioned as accelerator facility agnostic, allowing institutions to share and reuse myriad simulation approaches (analytics-based, A.I.-driven, or combinations of the like) across facilities. The Twinac system lays the groundwork for a collaborative network of institutions to maintain and update this shared virtual accelerator technology.