Hydropower plants (HPP)
Hydropower plant automation and SCADA system
In run-of-river and reservoir hydropower plants, the whole process runs automatically, from the intake to the powerhouse and from the switchyard to the grid. Generation is optimized according to water level, the environmental flow obligation is monitored continuously, and unit faults are reported instantly.
Automation scope
- Turbine and generator monitoring: speed, vibration, bearing temperatures, oil pressure
- Speed governor and excitation system integration
- Weir, intake, settling basin and forebay levels
- Radial and sector gates, flaps, trash rack cleaning machine
- Penstock pressure and flow measurement
- Switchyard, transformers, breakers and protection relays
- Auxiliary systems: cooling water, drainage, hydraulic unit, diesel generator
- Catchment precipitation and flow data
Control functions
- Automatic load adjustment based on water level (level-controlled operation)
- Automatic unit start, stop and synchronization sequences
- Gate and trash rack cleaning automation
- Automatic control and logging of environmental flow release
- Active and reactive power control according to grid setpoints
- Safe shutdown in flood and emergency scenarios
Analytics and maintenance
- Efficiency loss detection using the flow-generation curve
- Predictive maintenance with vibration and temperature trends
- Trash rack clogging and head loss alerts
- Generation forecasting based on hydrological data
- Unit-level downtime and fault analysis
Grid and reporting
- Data transfer to the TEİAŞ or distribution company telecontrol system
- Archiving environmental flow release records for inspections
- Transfer of generation, availability and avoided emissions to investor and ESG reports
Performance indicators
Turbine efficiencyNet head (m)Flow (m³/s)Capacity factorAvailability (%)Generation per water (kWh/m³)Environmental flow compliance
How do plant automation projects work?
01
Survey and engineering
Defining the signal list, communication architecture and grid operator requirements.
02
PLC and SCADA software
Preparing control software, SCADA/HMI screens and the alarm philosophy.
03
FAT and SAT
Factory and site acceptance tests; end-to-end verification of all signals.
04
Grid integration
Telecontrol data transfer tests, power plant controller settings and commissioning.
05
24/7 monitoring and support
Remote monitoring, periodic reporting and continuous performance improvement.
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