AI and machine learning use real-time data to improve power regulation, efficiency, and resilience.
Rockwell Automation, Inc. announced that its industrial computing technology is delivering critical data-based AI instructions for more precise water-turbine control at PVO-Vesivoima’s hydroelectric plants in Finland.
The control solution uses 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. Reduced turbine wear is another positive consequence of this more precise regulation.
Developed with support from Klinkmann Automation, a Rockwell Automation distributor, and doctorate researchers the University of Oulu, the solution – based on the Allen-Bradley ControlLogix Compute module – not only delivers far greater real-time accuracy and efficiency, but the module’s tight integration with the PLC helps provide a more cyber-secure solution.
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 to maintain the stability of the country’s power grid frequency. To date, PVO-Vesivoima is the only Nordic energy company to meet the stringent new regulations.
For more information, visit rockwellautomation.com.
