This video shows a smart manufacturing workflow of hardware and software technologies from Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence Division applied to optimise the performance of a micro-hydroelectric power station.
Micro hydropower stations can play a valuable role in helping to meet sustainable and renewable energy goals. They are well-suited to small streams of water, making them ideal for meeting energy needs in remote areas.
France-based Pienergies has worked on several micro hydropower station projects in Europe. They are keen to optimise the performance of their micro hydroelectric plants to ensure that each power station delivers to its maximum potential.
Pelton wheels are one of the most commonly used turbine types in small-scale hydro plants. The wheel extracts energy from the impulse of the moving water. Its bucket design and shape greatly influence the efficiency and power output of the power station.
Pienergies did not have the design plans of the buckets in their existing Pelton wheels. To improve the efficiency of their Pelton wheel, they needed to capture and analyse their current design, optimise it, and manufacture a new wheel.
Check out the video to see the complete workflow and technologies employed by Hexagon and Pienergies to reverse engineer and manufacture a more efficient Pelton wheel to optimise the power station and help power a more sustainable future.
*Learn more about Hexagon's metrology devices and software in this video*
? From physical to digital model with smart 3D scanning:
• Portable metrology devices – Absolute Arm 7-Axis measuring arm (https://hxgn.biz/3X5GNyQ)
• Absolute Scanner AS1 (https://hxgn.biz/3EAbBAm)
? Reverse engineering and solid CAD model creation:
• REcreate reverse engineering software (https://hxgn.biz/3EyVP8K)
• DESIGNER CAD application for smarter manufacturing (https://hxgn.biz/3VpEncE)
? Design simulation:
• Cradle Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) (https://hxgn.biz/3EBaQqW)
? Rapid prototyping:
• Simufact Additive PBF (https://hxgn.biz/3E96G84)
? Smart manufacturing:
• CNC machine programming and simulation with ESPRIT (https://hxgn.biz/3Xx9UeD)
• Programme optimisation and verification with NCSIMUL (https://hxgn.biz/3hY3LHR)
? On-machine metrology: Machine tool measurement for true metrology-driven manufacturing
• Machine tool measurement (https://hxgn.biz/3Um1Aw9)
• NC SERVER (https://hxgn.biz/3Vkbb6M)
• PC-DMIS metrology software (https://hxgn.biz/3V2wlGB)
? Inspection and part validation of new wheel:
• Leica Absolute Tracker AT500 (https://hxgn.biz/3VeKX5E)
• with reflector (https://hxgn.biz/3i9Ar1k) or B-Probe plus wireless handheld probe (https://hxgn.biz/3SXXDNb) for hidden points
• Small Pelton wheel inspection with Absolute Scanner AS1 (https://hxgn.biz/3EAbBAm)
• Inspire metrology software (https://hxgn.biz/3eHiEwY)
? In-process and post-process data analytics confirm that the design intent is maintained:
• HxGN Metrology Reporting (https://hxgn.biz/3Xx9Vzd)
