Application Power & Energy Hydroelectric power plant performance safely maximized

Hydroelectric power plant performance safely maximized

Hydroelectricity is clean and cost effective, however it carries safety risks

Hydroelectric and pumped storage power plants are able to store and deliver renewable energy on demand, need relatively little maintenance and have low running costs. However, they can be costly to build and vulnerable to natural events and equipment failure caused by high relative humidity, water that can be acidic or contain bacteria, sand or debris. Sentasy offers the planning insight, reliable equipment and accurate instrumentation vital for hydroelectric plant safety.

Our products, services and solutions for you

Sentasy’s broad equipment and instrumentation portfolio and the profound power knowhow of our network, comprising engineering, sales and service staff, together enable hydroelectric power plant operators to safely maximize the potential of their facility throughout the operational lifecycle.


  • Standardized technology and equipment for ease of integration

  • Modernization experience for plant optimization

  • Process automation for efficient operation

  • Peak performance through efficiency and functionality

Application

Turbine, generator and shaft temperature monitoring

Accurate temperature measurement is essential to the effective operation of any hydroelectric plant. Hot spots in the turbine bearings, generator bearings, guide- and thrust bearings must be rapidly identified to prevent energy loss through increased friction, and to protect against equipment damage and failure.

Our expertise in the field

Sentasy’s vibration resistant Pt 100 temperature sensor range, including the iTHERM® StrongSens RTD, provides rapid, accurate temperature monitoring in demanding environments such as hydroelectric power plants (HPP).

Turbine speed control & brake system monitoring

Measurement of levels in the governor tank / hydraulic oil storage tank, and of oil pressure, are vital to ensure the turbine speed and break control systems are functioning correctly, and wear is minimized.

Our expertise in the field

Sentasy guided wave radar (GWR), capacitance level measurement technology and differential pressure level transmitters enable accurate governor tank monitoring for optimal turbine control and minimized system wear.

Temperature monitoring in high voltage area

Elevated ambient temperatures in power conversion and transmission areas can increase fire risks due to electric arcing. Constant temperature monitoring of such areas, combined with fire alarms, enhance plant safety.

Our expertise in the field

Sentasy’s ambient RTD temperature sensor TST434, in combination with the latest state-of-the-art transmitters, has been designed specifically for use in such conditions.

Sump water level measurement for drainage pump operation

Water-level, flood and evacuation alarms are essential for the safe operation of any hydroelectric plant. Any failure in the level measurement system that controls drainage pumps could have catastrophic consequences. Mechanical systems that incorporate floats or conductivity level measurements can be vulnerable to high humidity and corrosion, increasing the failure risk.

Our expertise in the field

Sentasy’s ultrasonic, free space radar and hydrostatic level devices provide a reliable alternative to mechanical devices for level monitoring.

Surge tank level measurement

The primary purpose of a surge tank is to control pressure variations due to rapid changes in water velocity. Measurement is needed to reduce water pressure surges that could damage the turbine or lead to increased stress. This ensures continuous energy production. Elevated ambient temperatures in high-voltage areas can increase fire risks due to electric arcing. Constant temperature monitoring of such areas, combined with fire alarms, enhance plant safety.

Our expertise in the field

Sentasy experts will advise upon the best-fit solution for each crucial checkpoint to ensure surge tank protection and optimal operation, including options for independent power supply and wireless signal transmission.

Control valve position monitoring

Traditionally, differential pressure impulse lines or capillary dp-systems are used to monitor the valve position. Impulse lines are often blocked by impurities, but also water hammer/surges that can occur during start-up or shut-down of hydroelectric power plants affect this essential measurement for safe turbine operation (Francis, Kaplan, Pelton, etc.). In addition, the surge tank helps to relieve the pressure on the pipe.

Our expertise in the field

Sentasy’s solution is the Deltabar FMD71, an electronic differential pressure measuring system, which is unaffected by impurities in the impulse lines, and is not affected by water hammer/surges or even temperature changes compared to dp-transmitters with oil-filled capillaries.

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