| Operational data analysis
What tools or methodologies do you use to balance competing constraints like environmental regulations, energy production targets, and financial objectives? HYDROGRID Insight ensures that production plans are created with a clear hierarchy of priorities: environmental regulations take precedence, followed by energy production targets, and then financial objectives. However, the system also offers flexibility for operators to adjust these priorities based on specific situations. For instance, in a liberalized market where electricity prices spike, an operator may choose to adjust production targets to capitalize on high prices, potentially relaxing certain constraints. Moreover, the system supports intraday optimization
to handle real-time adjustments. After submitting a bid, an operator has committed to a certain plan, but reality may differ slightly from forecasts (e.g., rain may be heavier or lighter than expected). The system tries to stick to the originally committed plan as much as possible to avoid penalties, while using reservoir flexibility or adjusting gate positions to accommodate variations in water inflow.
Can you discuss how reporting features in your platform help operators track performance and compliance in real time? HYDROGRID Insight provides a dedicated dashboard where operators can track key metrics such as energy production, water usage, inflow levels, and optimized versus unoptimized revenue. This real-time monitoring gives operators a clear view of the plant’s current performance. The system offers both optimized and unoptimized generation plans, allowing operators to compare actual performance with the optimal plan suggested by the system. This insight helps operators identify areas where efficiency could be improved or where adjustments may be needed. Additionally, the platform allows operators to aggregate data over different time periods (e.g., weekly, monthly, yearly) and customize the reports to suit their needs. This flexibility helps operators stay on top of their plant’s performance and compliance with environmental and regulatory standards.
How does HYDROGRID approach long-term planning versus day-to-day operational decision-making? Our approach follows a progressive timeline, starting from long-term to short-term. It’s important to note that HYDROGRID Insight is real-time, and all computations are designed to be highly efficient. We begin by establishing an effective long-term strategy that focuses on key developments for a timeframe of up to three years. This strategy informs short-term operations, which are then optimized in detail based on real-time data. The process includes a progressive refinement
approach. For example, while we focus on major development plans for the long term, short-term adjustments and optimizations consider more granular constraints and inputs. The long-term plan provides the direction, but short-term operations will adapt if needed, ensuring we stay responsive to real-time changes.
How do you see the role of AI and digitalization evolving in the hydropower sector over the next few years? AI and digitalization are becoming indispensable for hydropower operators, especially amid evolving market dynamics shaped by energy market liberalization and the growth of solar and wind energy. These technologies go hand in hand, and operators must embrace them to remain competitive. As solar and wind energy production increases, data-driven decision-making and quick reaction times will be essential – partly due to the highly variable nature of these energy sources. For this, AI plays a vital role as a tool for automation, helping operators make informed decisions faster. But equally important is having all the necessary data in one centralized, easily accessible platform. By leveraging AI to process and act on this data, operators can ensure swift responses and even reduce the need for 24/7 operational monitoring. The human operator remains in control, but AI supports decision-making and helps reduce the workload.
What sets HYDROGRID apart from other players in the market when it comes to leveraging data for operational excellence? HYDROGRID differentiates itself by offering an integrated data platform that consolidates all relevant operational data. Unlike the common practice of using spreadsheets and manual calculations or more advanced, yet siloed systems, our platform ensures that data is accessible for analysis, optimization, and real-time decision-making. All computations and optimizations are done using data directly from this platform, eliminating the need for multiple disconnected systems. Our platform supports seamless integration with the
operator’s IT systems. The preferred method is through real-time system integration using standardized APIs (a modern computer-to-computer interface), enabling automated communication between systems. For operators without immediate access to IT resources, we also offer a manual integration option through Excel, ensuring that they can still begin using HYDROGRID Insight and access its full functionality. This flexibility allows for faster implementation while maintaining a high level of system integration and optimization.
Are there any specific partnerships or collaborations that have enhanced the development of HYDROGRID solutions? Yes, several key collaborations have played a crucial role in shaping HYDROGRID’s development. One example is our partnership with SSE, which inspired the creation of the maintenance timing optimization feature. This collaboration, along with feedback from many other customers, played a pivotal role in shaping our product roadmap. Another exciting area we’re seeing growth in is pumped storage. With the increasing reliance on solar and wind power, storage solutions are becoming critical, and we are responding to growing demand for solutions in this space. We’ve received strong customer interest in pumped storage development, and we’re already actively working on this as well. We expect to launch this feature in the first half of this year, in response to regulatory changes and increasing storage needs in the market.
Further information
Read more about HYDROGRID Insight technology on
www.hydrogrid.ai.
www.waterpowermagazine.com | February 2025 | 21
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45
