Real-Time Sedimentation and Operational Technology Integration to Enhance Hydropower Operational Reliability: Case Study of the Chivor Hydropower Plant in Colombia.
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| Title: | Real-Time Sedimentation and Operational Technology Integration to Enhance Hydropower Operational Reliability: Case Study of the Chivor Hydropower Plant in Colombia. |
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| Authors: | Leguizamon-Perilla, Aldemar1,2 (AUTHOR), Caballero, Johann A.1,2 (AUTHOR), Rojas, Leonardo1,2,3 (AUTHOR), López-Cely, Francisco E.1,2 (AUTHOR), Parra-Rodriguez, Nhora Cecilia1,2 (AUTHOR), Morales-Cruz, Laidi1,2,3 (AUTHOR), Nieto-Londoño, César3 (AUTHOR) cesar.nieto@upb.edu.co, Silva-López, Wilber3 (AUTHOR), Vásquez, Rafael E.3 (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Energies (19961073). May2026, Vol. 19 Issue 10, p2481. 22p. |
| Subject Terms: | *Sediment analysis, *Supervisory control & data acquisition systems, *Hydroelectric power plants, *Technology convergence, *Turbine generators, *Digital technology |
| Geographic Terms: | Colombia |
| Abstract: | This study addresses the critical challenge of sediment-driven degradation in aging hydropower infrastructure by implementing a novel Digital Operational Technology modernization framework at the AES Chivor Hydropower Plant in Colombia. While conventional sediment monitoring relies on sporadic manual campaigns, this research introduces a continuous, real-time sensing architecture that integrates hybrid acoustic–optical sensors, covering a range of 10 to 6000 mg/L, directly into the plant's SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system. The novelty of this approach lies in the seamless coupling of high-frequency physical data (15 min sampling) with an Operational Decision Support Module, enabling adaptive turbine management. Statistical validation against laboratory gravimetric standards yielded a robust correlation of 0.93, confirming the system's precision in quantifying suspended sediment concentrations. By identifying critical fine particle fractions in real time, the proposed model enables a precision-based maintenance strategy that significantly reduces unscheduled production downtime and mitigates accelerated wear in Pelton turbines. These findings provide a scalable benchmark for extending the operational life of large-scale hydropower facilities facing advanced sedimentation risks through digital transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Database: | Energy & Power Source |
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| Abstract: | This study addresses the critical challenge of sediment-driven degradation in aging hydropower infrastructure by implementing a novel Digital Operational Technology modernization framework at the AES Chivor Hydropower Plant in Colombia. While conventional sediment monitoring relies on sporadic manual campaigns, this research introduces a continuous, real-time sensing architecture that integrates hybrid acoustic–optical sensors, covering a range of 10 to 6000 mg/L, directly into the plant's SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system. The novelty of this approach lies in the seamless coupling of high-frequency physical data (15 min sampling) with an Operational Decision Support Module, enabling adaptive turbine management. Statistical validation against laboratory gravimetric standards yielded a robust correlation of 0.93, confirming the system's precision in quantifying suspended sediment concentrations. By identifying critical fine particle fractions in real time, the proposed model enables a precision-based maintenance strategy that significantly reduces unscheduled production downtime and mitigates accelerated wear in Pelton turbines. These findings provide a scalable benchmark for extending the operational life of large-scale hydropower facilities facing advanced sedimentation risks through digital transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 19961073 |
| DOI: | 10.3390/en19102481 |
