Deploying Digital Twins in a Historic Transport Hub

Bristol Temple Meads, a Grade 1 listed railway station designed by the British engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, was built in 1840. The design was inspired by medieval castles, making the heating and lighting a costly, inefficient process.

The Challenge: As one of the UK’s oldest railway stations, Bristol Temple Meads was not designed with energy efficiency in mind. Heating and lighting were maintained around the clock, regardless of passenger footfall or external weather conditions. This approach led to high operational costs, significant carbon emissions, and a lack of actionable data for informed energy management.

The challenge was clear: how could we enhance energy efficiency without compromising the station’s historic character and passenger safety?

The Solution: AI-Powered Energy Optimisation.

Optimise AI’s innovative solution combined advanced AI technology with real-time data collection to transform energy management at the station. The process involved:

1. Creating a Digital Twin: We developed a virtual model of the station, enabling us to simulate and analyse energy flows, heat loss patterns, and occupancy trends.

2. Deploying Smart Sensors: Sensors were installed to track temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and passenger movement throughout the day.

3. AI-Driven Insights: Our platform analysed this data to make smart, automated adjustments to heating, lighting, and ventilation.

4. Retrofit Implementations: Simple retrofits like improved insulation, heat pumps, and LED lighting enhanced energy efficiency while respecting the building's historical integrity.

The Results: 30% Reduction in Energy Consumption

The success at Bristol Temple Meads illustrates how historic buildings can contribute to a low-carbon future. Our technology is poised to deliver similar results across other stations and infrastructure sites within the rail sector.