PVO-Vesivoima and University of Oulu Develop AI-Powered Turbine Regulators

PVO-Vesivoima and the University of Oulu have collaborated with Rockwell Automation to develop advanced AI-powered turbine regulators for hydroelectric plants in Finland. Announced in a press release, this new control solution leverages real-time operational data and machine learning to enhance the precision of water-turbine control.

The AI technology, integrated with Rockwell Automation's industrial computing systems, adjusts the hydropower plant's parameters based on the electricity grid's frequency. This not only improves grid stability but also reduces turbine wear, offering a more efficient and resilient power-generation process.

The solution, developed with support from Klinkmann Automation and doctorate researchers from the University of Oulu, is based on the Allen-Bradley ControlLogix Compute module. It provides real-time accuracy and efficiency while ensuring a cyber-secure environment. PVO-Vesivoima is currently the only Nordic energy company meeting the stringent regulations set by Fingrid, Finland's state-owned electricity transmission grid operator.