Fault Detection and Diagnostics of Hydraulic Systems in Hydroelectric Power Plants

Most hydroelectric power plants experience few faults during their lifetime. However, with the expected increase in volatile energy sources in the energy mix and the use of hydroelectric power plants as balancing mechanisms, the wear and tear on system components may rise. This is where fault detection and diagnosis can significantly improve maintenance regimes. A mechanism within the plant that signals when components are under distress can be both cost-efficient and increase the plant's reliability. The hydraulic system that regulates the flow of water through the turbine is one of those systems that can be affected if the operation of the plants deviates from established norms. This thes…