| 75th Anniversary
being progressively optimised to cater to the emerging needs of the energy transition. The goal is to empower operators to better handle rapid load fluctuations and manage a higher frequency of starts and stops. Voith is spearheading initiatives such as the Francis+ project. It aims to enable the systems to operate unrestrictedly in the partial load range, in addition to improving energy efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.
Competent service is becoming
increasingly important The pivotal role of hydropower in the system amplifies the significance of plant maintenance and servicing. The need for reliable, uninterrupted operation throughout the year is more critical than ever. Consequently, operators require seasoned service partners in their vicinity who can offer competent and reliable support around the clock. This ensures the safe, efficient, and maximum availability of their systems throughout their entire lifecycle and beyond. To facilitate this, Voith is progressively focusing on expanding its services. Customers can rest assured that experienced service teams are always within reach to provide swift assistance in case of unforeseen issues. Ideally, the service is designed to prevent such
problems from occurring in the first place. Presently and in the future, two resources can significantly enhance longer runtimes, greater reliability, and superior performance: digital solutions and dedicated teams.
Intelligent solutions for hydropower
plants Thanks to automation, the majority of hydropower plants are already poised to embrace a more digital future. Digital solutions serve to enhance the operation of hydropower plants at various levels. Monitoring, analysis, and diagnostic systems pave the way for early fault detection and condition-based maintenance. These systems facilitate the planning and execution of preventive maintenance measures, significantly cutting down operating and maintenance costs, and potentially averting shutdowns altogether. Moreover, interactive applications enable integration into the overall asset management of a system and foster direct communication with service experts. Hydro Pocket is an example of how digitalisation is also advancing in pocket format and even for small hydro. The app is an intuitive, simple, cloud-based application that allows plant owners and operators to monitor, analyse and optimise hydropower stations. Looking ahead, artificial intelligence (AI) will equip
operators with an even broader and more precise toolkit to make hydropower utilization more reliable and efficient. New assistance systems can aid in making plant documentation searchable for specific problem solutions. Algorithms can pinpoint deviations with greater accuracy and reveal previously unknown correlations. Operating data can be correlated with
Left: With this spectacular order, Voith’s technological expertise in hydropower became globally recognized: The company equipped the power station at Niagara Falls with twelve Francis turbines from 1903 to 1912, each with a capacity of up to 12,000 horsepower – a size that was unprecedented at the time
www.waterpowermagazine.com | May 2024 | 35
Left: Despite all the technology - hydropower is also a people business in which individuals all over the world tackle things together
environmental, weather, and other data to prevent accidents or breakdowns and to unlock new performance potential.
People make the difference However, digital technologies and AI are merely
supplementary forces that can, at best, aid the true champions of hydropower utilization: the individuals who, with remarkable personal dedication, passionately propel these projects forward across the globe. Many have devoted their lives to the cause of hydropower, with some even passing on this dedication to their families, so that their descendants are working on the same projects. Some possess a unique understanding of their machines, a knowledge that is growing increasingly invaluable. For over 150 years, Voith has been dedicated to developing and optimising this crucial element of the renewable energy mix as a comprehensive service provider. Since manufacturing its first turbine in 1870, Voith has made significant strides in the international hydropower market with its expertise and innovative capabilities. From supplying twelve turbines to the Ontario Power Company at Niagara Falls at the start of the 20th century to partnering in numerous significant projects worldwide – such as in Itaipú or at the Three Gorges Dam – Voith has played a significant role. This remarkable achievement owes its gratitude to the exceptional people behind hydropower. In the face of the global climate crisis, the contributions of these individuals are immeasurable. They are all tirelessly working in what can be termed as the energy engine room of the future, since generations: Making renewable energy reliable. There is no task more significant.
Below: Thanks to the transparent view of assets and assistance from intelligent analysis methods, maintenance and repair planning can be optimized and faults or unplanned downtime can be reduced
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