Hydro turbines operate under variable loads and harsh environmental conditions, under ever-changing conditions. Detecting vibration anomalies early is critical to maintaining turbine efficiency, extending machine life, and preventing failure. Yet monitoring in such environments is often limited by infrastructure challenges and system constraints.
The challenge
Monitoring the condition and performance of hydro turbines introduces a unique set of challenges. These machines operate under a wide range of conditions, requiring a system that is both robust and highly reliable. Because multiple turbines are often installed in remote and difficult-to-access locations, a distributed monitoring architecture with a small footprint is essential.
To ensure accurate and verifiable maintenance decisions, high-quality vibration data must be available centrally. Significant value can be unlocked through advanced cloud-based diagnostics, especially in environments where on-site presence is limited and timely intervention is critical.
The solution: VibSys®
For hydro turbine environments, VibSys® offers a purpose-built solution. Its compact and modular design enables installation close to each turbine, supporting distributed setups without the need for large control rooms or extensive cabling. The system connects directly to common vibration sensors, including those already in use.
Locally, VibSys® processes vibration data in real time to trigger alerts when anomalies are detected. Simultaneously, full-resolution signal data is securely transferred to the cloud. This enables deeper diagnostics through AI-based analysis and manual validation when required. Its open design ensures easy integration into existing monitoring infrastructures, without locking users into a proprietary ecosystem.
Key advantages
- Compact system suitable for remote hydro installations
- Distributed design ideal for multi-turbine configurations
- Seamless integration with existing sensor setups
- Local alerting and full cloud data access
- Supports both automated and expert-led diagnostics
Impact: reduced cost per channel, increased turbine reliability
By using VibSys®, hydro power plants can dramatically lower the cost of advanced vibration monitoring per turbine. The scalable setup allows for wider coverage without adding complexity. Early fault detection reduces maintenance costs and increases system availability, supporting efficient, safe, and long term operation across all turbine assets.
Free online vibration Training
Professionals working with hydro turbines can now follow a free Vibration Category 1 training via the Istec Academy; an excellent opportunity to deepen your knowledge in vibration analysis.
