Abstract: With the rapid expansion of power grid, the traditional mode of substation operation and maintenance can no longer meet the needs of lean management. There is an urgent need for deeper application of digital technology as well as faster transformation to digital and smart substation. The digital twin technology is adopted in order to promote transparent as well as intelligent substation, and guard safe power grid with continuous power supply. The basic conception and framework of digital twin substation are explained clearly in this paper, and its application scenarios are discussed in depth. Meanwhile, the domestic and international current status of the digital twin substation is fully investigated. The construction characteristics and practice effects of a typical digital twin substation are introduced in detail. Besides, the key technologies and obstacles are analysed thoroughly from three aspects: physical space, digital space and user interface. This research is expected to contribute some reference to the design of digital twin substation, and promote digital intelligence transformation of power grid with high-quality development.

Key words: digital twin substation, transparent substation, intelligent substation, substation operation and maintenance, digital and intelligent transformation