PVO-Vesivoima, in collaboration with the University of Oulu, has developed an advanced turbine regulator for hydroelectric plants, leveraging Rockwell Automation’s AI-powered technology. This innovative solution enhances power generation precision, efficiency, and resilience, addressing critical grid stability needs in Finland.
The turbine regulator, developed by PVO-Vesivoima and the University of Oulu, harnesses Rockwell Automation’s AI and machine learning capabilities to deliver precise control over water turbines. By processing real-time operational data, it identifies grid frequency interactions and adjusts turbine parameters dynamically. This ensures stable electricity output, aligning with Fingrid’s reserve-market regulations for Finland’s power grid stability.
Built on the Allen-Bradley ControlLogix Compute module, the solution minimizes turbine wear, enhancing equipment durability. Asa Arvidsson, regional vice president at Rockwell Automation, states, "Critical-infrastructure applications, by their very nature, demand the best possible solutions." This precise regulation reduces mechanical stress, lowering maintenance costs and supporting sustainable hydropower operations.
The Compute module’s direct integration with the PLC provides a cyber-secure framework by reducing network vulnerabilities. Tommi Hansen-Haug, operations specialist at PVO-Vesivoima, explains, "I benchmarked all the automation companies, and no one else had a solution for this except Rockwell Automation." With support from Klinkmann Automation, the rack-mounted design ensures seamless compatibility with existing systems, streamlining deployment.
Designed to comply with Fingrid’s stringent reserve-market requirements, the regulator enables rapid responses to grid frequency fluctuations. PVO-Vesivoima stands alone among Nordic energy companies in meeting these standards. Piloted at the Kierikki plant in spring 2024, the solution is slated for rollout across all 18 of PVO-Vesivoima’s units, with a patent application filed in March 2025.
This AI-powered turbine regulator sets a new benchmark for hydropower automation. By integrating Rockwell Automation’s technology with the University of Oulu’s expertise, PVO-Vesivoima delivers enhanced grid stability, operational efficiency, and cybersecurity, paving the way for future innovations in the energy sector.
Rockwell Automation, is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 27,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries as of fiscal year end 2024.
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