Reamonn Soto – Hydropower and Electric Generator Reliability

Reamonn Soto of Sensatek Propulsion Technology is enhancing the reliability of hydropower systems by rapidly assessing the conditions of electric generators and balance-of-plant.

The rapid expansion of energy sources has forced hydropower operators to operate with greater flexibility, leading to increased operations and maintenance costs. Traditional sensor-based monitoring for hydropower components is cost prohibitive, and capital expenditures are ultimately passed on to ratepayers in regulated utility markets. More efficient, cost-effective solutions are needed to enhance predictive maintenance and reduce unplanned outages.

Sensatek's advanced vibration monitoring provides a scalable, cost-effective solution for predictive maintenance in the hydropower industry, reducing operations and maintenance costs and unplanned downtime as well as mitigating rising electricity costs. Future applications extend to other critical infrastructure sectors, including aerospace and transportation, where vibration monitoring is essential for operational efficiency.

Sensatek's innovative, non-intrusive solution uses commercially available smartphone cameras to monitor hydropower components, including turbine shafts, electric generators, wicket gates, water pumps, and compressors. This framework applies video-based dynamic measurement and analysis, enabling real-time motion magnification, displacement, and vibration measurements to detect misalignment, imbalance, shaft bowing, and resonance issues. By incorporating machine learning and advanced image processing, this approach enhances predictive maintenance capabilities, reducing operations and maintenance costs while improving reliability.

Status

Commercially ready

Industry

Energy infrastructure

Potential Markets

• Hydroelectric fleet owners
• Nuclear energy operators
• Natural gas-fired power plants

Looking For

• Industry mentors
• Funding
• Strategic partnerships
• Customer identification