Voith and Ray Sono Launch New Digital Business Model

20.06.2022
While it has been possible to control other technical installations from a smartphone, this has not previously been an option in hydropower. Voith, in conjunction with digital specialist Ray Sono, has now developed a solution to achieve this. The use of real-time data and intelligent analysis permits faster and better decisions.
Voith and Ray Sono Launch New Digital Business Model

Intuitive dashboards permit the monitoring, analysis and optimized performance of individual machine units, complete systems, or entire fleets in a single application. (Image source: Voith Hydro Holding GmbH & Co. KG):

Hydro Pocket is a smart, all-in-one solution for small and medium-sized hydropower plants, which offers operators greater efficiency, flexibility and security. The cloud-based solution will now enable them to manage the system data on a “smart” basis. Thanks to the transparent view of assets, assistance in the form of intelligent analysis methods, maintenance and repair planning can be optimized and faults or unplanned downtime can be reduced. As a result, management of the system is simplified and communication requirements are reduced.

“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.

More articles on this topic

Dirk Hoke Appointed as New CEO of the Voith Group

17.09.2024 -

he Shareholders’ Committee of Voith Management GmbH has appointed Dirk Hoke as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Voith GmbH & Co. KGaA, effective April 1, 2025, at the latest. He succeeds the long-standing President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Toralf Haag, who left the company on Aug. 31, 2024. Until the start of Dirk Hoke, Andreas Endters serves as interim CEO of the Voith Group, in addition to his duties as CEO of Voith Paper.

Read more

New Chief Service Officer Joins Voith Hydro

06.08.2024 -

Since July 15, 2024, Sunil Pandiri is part of the global Board of Management of Voith Hydro. As Chief Service Officer he will continue to strategically expand the company’s service portfolio. The role was newly created in order to meet the requirements of customers and their hydropower plants in the best possible way; making service a priority on top level.

Read more

ANDRITZ to Equip New Hydropower Plant in Turkey

12.06.2024 -

The Turkish water authority Devlet Su İşleri (DSI) has selected international technology group ANDRITZ to supply the electro-mechanical equipment for the new 160 MW Silvan hydropower plant in Türkiye. The company will supply four 40 MW turbines, four generators, associated hydropower plant equipment, and a 154 kV switchyard system.

Read more