How J-Power utilises digital technologies to enhance hydropower operations

One of the technologies includes the deployment of robots for inspection.

Electric Power Development (J-Power) leverages digital technologies in its hydropower plants to maintain their stable operation and enhance the work processes for its employees.

J-Power has tested various technologies at the Shimogo Power Station since 2019, with a special digital zone to strengthen operations at hydroelectric power plants

In a statement, the company said it developed the JPPredic system which aims to prevent equipment problems using artificial intelligence to detect equipment failures and notify the staff.

The system collects data from sensors on the turbine and other equipment, and stores them on a centralised management server.

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It also advances the use of internet-of-things devices such as sensors on equipment, inspection tablets and surveillance cameras.

J-Power is also in the process of developing a new system that will allow remote support maintenance with the use of satellite broadband.

“This new system allows high-speed, high-capacity networks to be used even in deep mountainous regions where it is difficult to install optical fibres and where mobile phone signals do not reach,” it said.

In partnership with Blue Innovation Co., J-Power is developing and deploying robots that conduct inspections within and around power plants. The robot can function even during emergencies such as disasters which helps in optimising inspections.