2022-06-13
Voith and digital specialist Ray Sono launch digital service product for station management in the small hydropower sector
- Cloud-based solution “Hydro Pocket” provides real-time data from small and medium-sized hydropower plants directly on mobile devices
- Investors and operators can increase the performance of their assets through intelligent digitalization
- First customer in Indonesia already impressed with the new solution
“The application can be intuitively operated via a clearly configured dashboard, and can map individual power units, complete stations or even entire fleets. These can be displayed on a computer, smartphone or tablet,” explains Dr. Tobias Keitel, Chief Operations Officer at Voith Hydro.
Unique development process
There are currently three different types of digital solution providers in the hydropower market. So-called OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) offer supplementary products, which are suitable for their hardware, but in most cases are unable to offer a customized solution. Third-party providers supply retrofit solutions, but do not possess any technical expertise. As a result of the high outlay and investment costs involved, only very large companies can often rely on the third variant of internal development.
“With Hydro Pocket, all of these aspects were taken into account during the development stage. While Voith has around 150 years of experience in hydropower, we at Ray Sono were able to contribute our expertise in the design and implementation of digital applications,” explains Sebastian Krüger, Executive Board member of Ray Sono, in describing the process.
Work was also carried out directly on the Indonesian pilot project Sion. The valuable findings made during this project contributed significantly to the expansion and configuration of the functions and features. “In addition to focusing on user experience, user interfaces, and the technical stability of the application, feedback from initial customers was also taken into account to develop a market-ready solution,” Krüger continues.
Easy installation
Hydro Pocket can be adapted to individual needs and user requirements, but is also quick to install and easy to configure. The user receives a starter kit to assist in this process, and attaches the hardware contained in the kit to the power plant. The task of configuring the system is subsequently performed by Voith, with the entire process taking less than four weeks to complete.
Three pillars
The three pillars covered by the product are the monitoring, analysis and management of the system. This offers operators various advantages, which span the need to increase efficiency and flexibility, and make optimum use of manpower, to the transfer of knowledge, and the security and modernization of the aging infrastructure. Hydro Pocket is a holistic and contemporary solution, which guarantees optimal operation of small or medium-sized hydropower stations.
“In addition to the 12 MW system at Sion, in Indonesia, which has been using Hydro Pocket since March 2022, there are also six other systems in Europe and Southeast Asia, which are already putting Hydro Pocket to the test,” Keitel adds.
For more information:
www.hydropocket.de
Ray Sono, founded in 1992, shapes the digital world of businesses and organisations of all sizes and industries. Locally, nationally, and globally. In the interplay of strategy, concept, design and technology, the digital expert transforms ambitious ideas into tangible digital content, products, and services. Ray Sono continuously develops this in the digital ecosystem of its customers and ensures smooth operation. Ray Sono counts leading brands such as Audi, Austrian Airlines, Bayern Tourismus, BMW, BSH Hausgeräte, BVG, Deutsche Bahn, E.ON, MAN, McDonald’s, Paul Hartmann, Telefónica, Voith, WMF, Zeppelin u.v.m. zu seinen Kunden.among its customers.
About the company
The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, the company today has around 20,000 employees, sales of € 4.3 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the larger family-owned companies in Europe.
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The Group Division Voith Hydro is part of the Voith Group and a leading full-line supplier as well as trusted partner for equipping hydropower plants. Voith develops customized, long-term solutions and services for large and small hydro plants all over the world. Its portfolio of products and services covers the entire life cycle and all major components for large and small hydro plants, from generators, turbines, pumps and automation systems, right through to spare parts, maintenance and training services, and digital solutions for intelligent hydropower.
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