Revolution in the monitoring of hydroelectric facilities
An innovative new product developed by HYDRO Exploration called VertHEX monitors the performance of hydroelectric facilities. This brings unprecedented accuracy to determining the impact of erosion on the performance of machinery.
Predictive maintenance can show its full potential thanks to an innovative way of monitoring the performance of hydroelectric facilities on a continuous basis. VertHEX (Visualise efficiency in real-time) is based on a simplification of the thermodynamic method for measuring performance (IEC 60041) and does not require any pumping. It feeds the performance data of a facility into the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system with a high degree of accuracy. A disconcertingly simple concentration of intelligence!
Precise monitoring of sedimentary erosion
Developed by HYDRO Exploitation as part of Project ReHydro within the European Union’s Horizon Europe framework programme for research and innovation, this tool marks a break with traditional approaches to performance monitoring. In particular, it makes it possible to detect the effect erosion is having on a facility. Already successfully tested on a 20 MW Pelton facility (FMG/Vissoie) and another of 423 MW (Cleuson-Dixence/Bieudron), it has just been installed in a third 105 MW Pelton facility (Electra-Massa/Bitsch) to provide accurate monitoring of sedimentary erosion over the summer, combining this method with measurements of sediment. Other types of machinery are already set to be equipped.
Optimising the use of turbines and pumps
The system opens new prospects for operators and owners of hydroelectric installations. They can now plan their maintenance work more efficiently and optimise the running of all types of turbines and pumps. It marks a major step forward for the hydroelectric sector in all sorts of ways.
