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Author: Maja Sremački – INOSENS
The hydropower sector is undergoing a profound digital transformation as part of the broader Green Deal initiative and in response to growing environmental concerns. The Di-Hydro project, funded by the European Commission’s European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), exhibits the shift toward a more sustainable, safe, secure and competitive energy supply. The primary focus of the Di-Hydro project is on the integration of advanced digital technologies and sensors in hydropower plants (HPPs) and their role in efficient water management.
Digital Twins in Hydropower
Digital Twins (DTs) are digital replicas of physical systems used for monitoring, simulation, and predictive analysis. Various hydropower plants (HPPs) have successfully implemented this concepts to enhance operations and maintenance.
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VERBUND’s “Hydropower 4.0 – Digital Hydropower Plant” program at the Rabenstein power plant, uses integrated sensors, anomaly detection, mobile assistance systems, and autonomous underwater surveillance drones to enhance the maintenance and operational efficiency of hydropower plants.
Fig.1: VERBUND’s Oberaudorf-Ebbs powerplant
- Alder Dam Modernisation: The Alder Dam in Washington State utilises the Digital Twin for Hydropower Systems (DTHS) platform.
Predictive Maintenance
Ongoing developments have resulted in a sophisticated melding of physical and digital systems, a movement often termed the Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0. This shift is propelled by businesses aiming to reduce waste and improve the efficiency of their operations. In fact, the progress in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) has initiated a new age of optimised maintenance practices. Predictive maintenance builds on condition-based monitoring to optimize equipment performance and lifespan. It involves using sensors, Internet of Things, AI techniques, and machine learning algorithms to predict failures before they occur.
Real-Time Monitoring
Monitoring in real-time is essential for the effective management of hydropower plants. Key parameters such as power factor, health asset, utilisation, and availability are tracked to trigger corrective actions and optimize operations (Andritz RCC and SCADA Systems).
Environmental and Biodiversity Monitoring
Digitisation also plays a vital role in environmental and biodiversity monitoring at hydropower plants and their reservoirs. Technologies like remote sensing, AI-based CCTV analysis, and drone photogrammetry will monitor water levels, quality, and ecological impacts, ensuring sustainable operations.
Autonomous Water Quality Monitoring
A significant advancement in the field is the development of a real-time autonomous water quality monitoring system by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in the USA. This drone provides real-time data to HPP operators, focusing on dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved gases, water temperature, and other water quality indexes. The ROV is equipped with sonar, a mechanical wiper for removing biofouling and sediment from the sensor. In fact, the drone uses a tether system attached to a solar-powered docking platform. The system has been used at McNary and High Rock Hydroelectric Dams in the USA.
Environmental Challenges and Opportunities
The digitisation of hydropower plants represents numerous opportunities for innovation and improvement. Nonetheless, this also comes with its own challenges:
Opportunities
- Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Digitisation allows for more precise monitoring and control of HPPs, leading to optimised operations and reduced downtime;
- Increased Lifespan of Assets: Utilising Digital Twins and advanced monitoring systems can significantly extend the lifespan of hydropower assets;
- Improved Environmental Monitoring: Advanced digital tools enable better monitoring of environmental factors, ensuring that hydropower operations are sustainable;
- Cost Savings: The implementation of digital technologies can lead to substantial cost savings in terms of maintenance and operations;
- Data-Driven Decision Making: With the vast amounts of data generated by digital systems, hydropower plant operators can make more informed decisions.
Challenges
- Integration with Existing Systems: Integrating new technologies with existing infrastructure requires careful planning and execution;
- Cybersecurity Concerns: Higher digitalisation provides more opportunities and vulnerabilities toward cyberattacks;
- High Initial Investment: The adoption of advanced digital technologies often requires significant upfront investment;
- Skill Development: Successful implementation requires skilled personnel proficient in the latest tools and techniques;
- Regulatory and Compliance Issues: Navigating the complex regulatory landscape can represent a challenge when implementing new technologies.
Hydropower Digital Transformation
As Di-Hydro will demonstrate, the hydropower sector’s digital transformation is a giant stride towards a more sustainable and efficient future. The use of technologies such as Digital Twins, predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring will enable this project to improve the operational efficiency, reliability and sustainability of hydropower plants.
The adoption of a digital transformation strategy will enhance the performance and plants’ life span. Moreover, this will contribute to expansive efforts towards a sustainable low-carbon energy future. The Di-Hydro project provides the pathway toward overcoming challenges. Specifically, it has the possibility to unlocking the full potential of digitisation in the hydropower sector through innovation and cooperation. As it progresses, it will also serve as an example for the global hydro industry on how digital solutions offer hope for renewable energy in future. By confronting digitisation opportunities and risks, the hydropower industry could lead to a new era for renewables, characterised by improved efficiency, sustainability, and durability.
References
Di-Hydro project – Deliverable 1.1 – Digital transformation of the HP sector
Di-Hydro project – Deliverable 1.2 – Requirements, Tools & Definitions
VERBUND’s Oberaudorf-Ebbs power plant website – https://www.verbund.com/en-at/about-verbund/power-plants/our-power-plants/oberaudorf-ebbs (accessed 10/07/2024)
ANDRITZ Hydro’s Customer Magazine – https://www.andritz.com/hydro-en/hydronews/hn34/alder-usa (accessed 10/07/2024)
Nortech – Predictive Maintenance in Industry 4.0 – https://www.nortechsys.com/insights/predictive-maintenance-in-industry-4-0/ (accessed 08/07/2024)
Salalila A.L., Martinez, J.J, Elsinghorst, R.J., Hou, H, Yuan, Y. & Deng, Z. (2021). Real-time and Autonomous Water Quality Monitoring System Based on Remotely Operated Vehicle. In “Global Oceans 2020: Singapore – U.S. Gulf Coast”, October 5-30, 2020, Biloxi, MS, 1-5. Piscataway, New Jersey: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9389374
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