The daily revenue loss resulting from the shutdown of hydroelectric generators can range from $100K to $1M per turbine. In situations where unscheduled turbine maintenance is necessary and replacement parts take a considerable amount of time to arrive, the loss of power generation revenue can be substantial.
To solve this problem, predictive maintenance algorithms utilize data generated from sensors mounted on the rotating hydroelectric generator shafts. These algorithms enable prediction of maintenance events that require turbine shutdown. Accurate prediction allows these maintenance events to be scheduled. With scheduled maintenance, parts and resources can be obtained, and put in place before shutting down the turbine, minimizing lost power generation revenue.
However, the obstacle to implementing these predictive algorithms is the currently available sensor power generation solutions. These solutions are unreliable, requiring frequent maintenance and downtime. In addition to causing their own downtime, these solutions cause shaft sensors to periodically lose power, creating discontinues data input to the algorithm and rendering the predictive maintenance prediction inaccurate.
PowerBeam™ wireless power transfer technology was designed to enable predictive maintenance algorithms and stop lost revenue due to currently available unreliable rotating shaft power sources.
Less Downtime for Unscheduled Turbine Maintenance - PowerBeam™ enables predictive maintenance algorithms with continuous data while in motion and while stationary.
Less Downtime for Sensor Power System Maintenance - PowerBeam™ solid-state technology is reliable and has no moving mechanical parts to wear out or maintain.
No Downtime to Operate – PowerBeam™ does not require shutdowns to continue to operate like current battery or slip-ring solutions.
Minimal Downtime for Installation – Unlike other technologies, the turbine shaft does not need to be disassembled for PowerBeam™ installation.
Additional Benefits
Minimal Strain on Rotating Shaft - PowerBeam™ has lightweight small footprint
Maintains Shaft Integrity - PowerBeam™ creates no shaft heat generation with pulsed heat source or simple heat shielding.
Health and Safety - PowerBeam™ emits no harmful electromagnetic radiation.
Robust - PowerBeam™ is unaffected by electromagnetic radiation. Works in extreme ambient conditions
Enables More Sensing Capabilities – PowerBeam™ is scalable from microwatts up to 30 watts of power output per module.