Only Rockwell could provide the AI automation solution PVO-Vesivoima needed in their hydroelectric plants

The new Rockwell solution enables PVO-Vesivoima to regulate the turbines used in their hydroelectric power plants more effectively, ensuring fast communication with the control logic. The result is improved operational and usage reliability in the power plants by enhancing the regulation of turbine blades. Additionally, the level of cybersecurity is improved in critical infrastructures like power plants.

AI solution by Rockwell for power industry automation was provided by Klinkmann Automation.

"The computing module was a perfect fit for the purpose"

It all started with a collaboration project between PVO-Vesivoima and the University of Oulu, during which a software regulating the power plant turbines was designed, but the right solution was initially not found for implementation.

Eventually, a suitable one was found: the Allen Bradley Compute Module, which can be installed directly in the same rack with the logic. It was an excellent fit for hydroelectric power plants.

Instead of an industrial PC, the turbine regulator runs via the computing module, and the module communicates directly with the logic used in plant automation through the backplane.

- I went through all the automation companies, and no one else had a solution for this except Rockwell. We were able to implement all the desired functions in a solution compatible with the Linux environment," says automation expert Tommi Hansen-Haug from PVO-Vesivoima.

Operational reliability ensured even in the most unexpected situations

The critical equipment for power generation must function in all situations. Energy companies must also prepare for cyberattacks.

- An industrial PC would not have been reliable enough for this critical use case from a cybersecurity standpoint, so Rockwell's solution proved to be effective. The computing module is not connected to any network except when making changes to the module’s programming, says Hansen-Haug.

The customer received a flexible trial period

The testing phase was carried out in the spring of 2024, and the deployment will begin in the fall. The solution was piloted at PVO-Vesivoima's Kierikki hydroelectric power plant, located on the Iijoki River in Oulu.

- The goal is that the solution could later be used in all 18 of PVO-Vesivoima's power plant units, Tommi Hansen-Haug explains.

Hansen-Haug appreciates that PVO-Vesivoima received an extended return period from Klinkmann Automation to test the Allen Bradley Compute Module. This allowed him to better evaluate its functionality and suitability for the project.

- It was a very nice gesture from Klinkmann Automation, and I also received technical support when I needed it from their technical expert, Jani Pakisjärvi.

Pohjolan Voima

Pohjolan Voima is one of Finland's largest energy companies, producing over 20% of Finland's electricity. The group generates electricity and heat for its shareholders, which include domestic industrial and energy companies, through hydro, thermal, and nuclear power.

The 80-year-old company is an unlisted public limited company with a turnover of around 840 million euros in 2023. It had an average of 40 employees.

PVO-Vesivoima owns eight hydroelectric power plants with a total of 18 power plant units. In addition to its own plants, the entire Pohjolan Voima group includes 18 power plants, four of which are partly owned hydroelectric plants, five thermal power plants, and the Olkiluoto nuclear power plant.