Underwater Drones inspecting hydroelectric dams
Cody Warner | September 14, 2017
As underwater drones, known as Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV), become more affordable, the hydroelectric power industry capitalizes by doing own inspections.
Hydroelectric dams are complicated structures. There is a multitude of components and various combinations of these mechanisms that make up a hydroelectric power station, making each station its own unique structure. The main goal of these structures is to collect water at one elevation, run that water through a turbine (and turn that turbine) to generate power and then deliver the water out the other side. Assuming it is designed in a way that has minimal impact on the environment, this is a reliable source of renewable energy; so much so that we listed it in our Top Energy Sources of the Future.
Canadian Hydroelectric Power

Inspecting Hydroelectric Dams

Hydroelectric Power Underwater Drone Inspection
Dupont searched for other solutions and came across Deep Trekker. He opted to purchase a DTG3 Smart ROV and perform the inspections himself. Not only did this make all of their inspections possible without the high cost of dive teams, it also enabled them to perform some inspections while keeping portions of plants running. "For instance, we can inspect a draft tube on one group while the other groups are operating," Dupont commented. The risk to a single ROV is much less than the risk to a human life, increasing the comfort level of not just GENIFAB but also their plant owner client.
An unforeseen benefit for the DTG2 was the ROV enabling GENIFAB to get involved early in rehabilitation projects. By being the one performing the inspection they build trust with their client and distinguish themselves from competitors who utilize more traditional means of inspection. "Offering underwater inspections is expanding the field of work of our company," Dupont said. "We are able to offer a complete technical solution to dam owners, not only the mechanical design portion but also the entire structural design of the spillway."
Deep Trekker is proud to have customers like GENIFAB and to help on such large structural projects. Curious where else the ROV is used in Hydro dams? Check out:
https://www.deeptrekker.com/top-3-uses-of-mini-rovs-in-hydro/
https://www.deeptrekker.com/intake-gate-inspection-rov/
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