Rockwell Automation, a leading company in industrial automation and digital transformation, has announced a significant breakthrough in power generation regulation and efficiency. The company’s industrial computing technology has successfully delivered critical data-based AI instructions for more precise water-turbine control at PVO-Vesivoima’s hydroelectric plants in Finland.
Real-Time Operational Data and AI-Powered Solutions
The control solution utilizes real-time operational data and applies machine learning and AI to identify the interactions that determine the frequency of the electricity grid. The controller then adjusts the hydropower plant’s parameters, adapting turbine operation according to the grid frequency. This approach not only enhances the accuracy and efficiency of the power generation process but also reduces turbine wear.
Improved Cyber-Security and Enhanced Performance
Developed in collaboration with Klinkmann Automation, a Rockwell Automation distributor, and doctorate researchers from the University of Oulu, the solution leverages the Allen-Bradley ControlLogix Compute module. This module provides a more secure and efficient solution, with tight integration with the PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) helping to prevent cyber-attacks.
Benefits for PVO-Vesivoima and the Power Grid
- PVO-Vesivoima is the first Nordic energy company to meet the stringent new regulations for reserve-market power delivery, ensuring the stability of the country’s power grid frequency.
- The new control solution has been created to address the rapid response required for participating in reserve-market power delivery, a regulation from Fingrid, Finland’s state-owned electricity transmission grid operator.
- By utilizing real-time operational data and AI-powered solutions, PVO-Vesivoima can optimize its power generation process, reducing turbine wear and improving overall efficiency.
About Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. With its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, the company has established itself as a trusted partner for industries worldwide. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 27,000 problem solvers dedicated to its customers in more than 100 countries.
Quote from Asa Arvidsson, Regional Vice President Central, East & North Region EMEA
“I benchmarked all the automation companies, and no one else had a solution for this except Rockwell Automation. A big advantage for us was that we not only had access to the university’s superior expertise in control theory and mathematics, but also support from an industrial automation specialist, which itself is a distributor of class-leading hardware and software solutions.”
— Asa Arvidsson, Regional Vice President Central, East & North Region EMEA
Benefits for the Power Grid
The implementation of this AI-powered solution has significant implications for the power grid. By optimizing power generation and reducing turbine wear, PVO-Vesivoima can contribute to a more stable and efficient grid. This, in turn, can lead to improved overall performance and reduced costs for the entire power grid.
Conclusion
The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into power generation regulation and efficiency has opened up new possibilities for industries and the power grid. By leveraging real-time operational data and AI-powered solutions, companies like PVO-Vesivoima can optimize their power generation processes, reducing costs and improving overall efficiency.
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