Integrated application of digital twins and augmented reality in collaborative design of substation projects

A digital twin and augmented reality (DT-AR) integration system was developed and deployed for collaborative design in a 220kV substation environment. The system leverages synchronized BIM models, IoT sensor networks, high-density LiDAR, and advanced optical motion capture technologies to collect real-time data through edge computing nodes using containerized microservices. Optical sensor fusion techniques are integrated to enhance environmental perception and improve the accuracy of spatial alignment. The system architecture supports advanced point cloud registration algorithms, dynamic mesh optimization, and optical stylization for AR visualization, enabling precise model alignment and immersive user experience. According to quantitative evaluation, the system improves the spatial alignment accuracy compared with traditional workflows and achieves a median synchronization delay of less than 60ms. The edge-enabled design supports low-latency multi-user collaboration and ensures stable operation of the network during fluctuations. User studies showed improved error identification and decision confidence, and a 32% improvement in iterative design cycles. These findings indicate the technical feasibility and practicality of DT-AR integration with optical enhancements in substation engineering, laying a solid foundation for synchronization and workflow optimization using high-fidelity models.