Data Visualization for Digital Twin-based BMS

using Unreal Engine

Robin Matthew Medina ∗ , Judith Nkechinyere Njoku ∗ , Paul Michael Custodio ∗ , Cosmas Ifeanyi Nwakanma†
Jae-Min Lee ∗ , and Dong-Seong Kim ∗
∗ IT Convergence Engineering, † ICT Convergence Research Center, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, Korea.

Abstract—This paper proposes to visualize a Battery Model
for Battery Management Systems (BMS) using Unreal Engine
for Digital Twin Technology. By utilizing an interactive 3D
platform, the proposed approach allows for real-time monitoring
and prediction of the battery performance data, enabling easy
identification of inefficiencies. The visualization is achieved using
only static input as an alternative for the SOC prediction using
Data-Driven AI Model.
Index Terms—Digital Twin, 3D Model, Battery Management
System
I. I NTRODUCTION
As battery-powered technologies gain widespread adoption,
the optimization of battery performance and longevity be-
comes paramount [1]. Battery management systems (BMS)
play a crucial role in monitoring and controlling battery
performance, ensuring optimal usage and extended lifespan
[2].
Building on the concept of Digital Twin, which provides a
virtual dynamic model of a system, process, or service, we
propose harnessing the power of data visualization to extract
meaningful insights from battery-related information [3]. By
utilizing data visualization techniques, battery manufacturers,
researchers, and engineers can make informed decisions to
optimize battery performance [4]. To achieve the requisite data
for visualization, we develop a predictive model for battery
parameters, focusing on the critical aspect of State-of-Charge
estimation. In this regard, deep neural networks (DNN) have
demonstrated success in battery state estimation [5].
This paper introduces a novel approach utilizing the robust
capabilities of Unreal Engine, a powerful game engine known
for its advanced 3D visualization features, to develop an im-
mersive and interactive data visualization platform for digital
twin-based BMS. By leveraging Unreal Engine’s cutting-edge
technology, we aim to enhance the visualization experience
and provide a dynamic environment for analyzing and inter-
preting BMS data.
II. M ETHODOLOGY
This section outlines the proposed methodology for devel-
oping and integrating the Digital Twin-based Battery Manage-
ment System (BMS) visualization platform. The process flow
is illustrated in Fig 1.
A. Dataset Selection and Model Training
The battery dataset chosen for model training is the Pana-
sonic 18650. To predict the battery’s State-of-Charge (SOC),
a GRU-RNN model is employed. The GRU-RNN model
comprises a single GRU layer and two Dense layers. The
model is trained using the battery dataset, aiming to achieve
high prediction accuracy for SOC.
B. Integration with Unreal Engine
Once the AI model is trained and exhibits satisfactory accu-
racy, it is integrated into the Unreal Engine platform. Unreal
Engine offers advanced capabilities for creating immersive
visual experiences. The prediction results obtained from the
trained AI model are used as input for the data visualization
within Unreal Engine.
C. Creation of Battery 3D Model
As part of the visualization process, a simplified 3D model
of the battery is generated using 3DS Max. This model serves
as the main object for visualization and is imported into the
Unreal Engine environment.
TABLE I
BATTERY T HRESHOLD I DENTIFIER
SOC Color
Empty Battery (0%) Gray
Low Battery (1% - 25%) Red
Battery SOC (26% - 50%) Orange
Battery SOC (51% - 75%) Yellow
Battery SOC (76% - 100%) Green
D. Visualization Implementation
Given the emphasis of this paper on the visualization aspect,
a static SOC input is utilized, representing a predefined range
of SOC values. This input is modified based on the predicted
SOC obtained from the AI model. The color of the battery also
changes in line with a predefined threshold, as illustrated in
Table I. The Unreal Engine platform is leveraged to visualize
the battery model and the changing SOC input, providing an
interactive and immersive data visualization experience for
battery performance analysis.
III. D ISCUSSION
This section discusses the early results obtained in this
paper. These results demonstrate the significance of battery vi-
sualization in facilitating the identification of State-of-Charge
(SOC) through visual cues. By creating a basic 3D battery
model using 3DS Max and importing it into Unreal Engine,
 Fig. 1. Proposed Model
Fig. 2. Data Visualization of Battery in Unreal Engine
we established the foundation for battery visualization within
the digital twin-based BMS.
As depicted in Fig. 2, the battery model undergoes color
changes to represent different SOC levels. Currently, the color
changes are based on a static input defined by the user.
However, the ultimate goal is to incorporate real-time changes
in the battery model based on the predictions generated by the
AI model.
The threshold range employed for visual data in Fig. 2
is derived from Table I. This visualization is a preliminary
example, and further enhancements will be implemented to
ensure precision, clarity, and effectiveness in presenting battery
performance data.
IV. C ONCLUSIONS
This study presented the visualization of the battery state of
charge in a virtual platform, by leveraging on digital twin tech-
nology. Future work will focus on refining the visualization
aspects, such as incorporat ing additional features, improving
the precision of visual data, and enhancing the overall ef-
fectiveness of the visualization platform. These advancements
will ensure that the proposed method provides an efficient and
intuitive means for battery analysis and decision-making.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This research was supported by Priority Research
Centers Program through the NRF funded by the MEST
(2018R1A6A1A03024003), NRF-2022R1I1A1A010701058
and MSIT, Korea, under the Grand Information Technology
Research Center support program(IITP-2023-2020-0-01612)
supervised by the IITP.
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