Today, our blog hosts a brief interview with Przemyslaw Szulc, assistant professor at Wroclaw University of Science and Technology (WUST), Faculty of Mechanical and Power Engineering.
Przemysław, welcome to the #meet the D-HYDROFLEX team blog series. We are delighted to have this short interview with you today.
Q: Would you like to introduce yourself and your expertise to our readers?
A: My name is Przemyslaw Szulc, and I am an assistant professor at Wroclaw University of Science and Technology (WUST), Faculty of Mechanical and Power Engineering. My expertise lies primarily in hydraulic systems, including the design and calculations of piping systems, turbo-machinery, and water turbines. I have a strong background in the design of turbo machinery such as centrifugal pumps and water turbines, as well as extensive experience in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), particularly in the context of turbo-machinery. Additionally, I focus on water power plants, hydrology, and measurement systems for both hydrology and turbo-machinery piping systems.
Q: Could you describe your company’s role on the project?
A: In the D-HYDROFLEX project, WUST plays a role in developing advanced digital tools for managing hydroelectric power operations. Our team is responsible for creating a digital twin of a water turbine. We are developing on-site tools for real-time data acquisition, dynamic simulations, hydrological modelling, and predictive maintenance. In the future we are planning to integrate those tools seamlessly with a cloud-based visualization system to provide comprehensive monitoring and analysis capabilities, ensuring optimal performance of hydroelectric plants.
Q: We would like to know more about why we need to think out of the box regarding hydroelectric power plant efficiency and reliability.
A: Hydroelectric power plants are a cornerstone of renewable energy, but their efficiency and reliability can be improved through innovative approaches. Traditional methods often focus on immediate operational needs, but by thinking out of the box, we can implement advanced technologies that offer long-term benefits.
One of the key areas where innovation is crucial is in the integration of digital twins and real-time data analytics. Digital twins are virtual replicas of physical systems that allow us to simulate and analyze the performance of hydroelectric units under various conditions. This helps in predicting potential issues before they occur and optimizing the operation of turbines and hydraulic systems.
For example, using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, we can gain deep insights into the flow dynamics within turbines and piping systems. This allows us to design more efficient and reliable components, reducing energy losses and maintenance costs. Additionally, real-time data from sensors can be used to continuously monitor the condition of machinery and predict faults before they lead to significant downtime.
Q: What are the main challenges of your work on the project, and how do you tackle them?
A: One of the main challenges in the D-HYDROFLEX project is the integration of various data sources and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of real-time simulations and predictions. Another challenge is ensuring that the computational models are robust and can handle the complex dynamics of hydroelectric systems. Additionally, maintaining seamless communication between on-site and cloud-based tools is crucial and should be focused mainly on data security and reliability.
Q: What are your expectations from the project? What impact will the project have on the energy ecosystem?
A: Our expectations from the D-HYDROFLEX project are to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of hydroelectric power operations. By developing advanced digital tools and integrating real-time data analytics, we aim to optimize the performance of hydro-units and reduce operational risks. Additionally, we are excited about the solutions and tools being developed by our project partners, such as 3D scanning of dams, fish recognition tools, industrial network intrusion detection, and predictive maintenance systems. These complementary technologies will provide a holistic approach to managing hydroelectric power plants, ensuring comprehensive monitoring and maintenance capabilities.
Przemysław, thank you for being with us today!
A: The pleasure was mine.
Another # meet the D-HYDROFLEX team blog story is completed. Stay tuned to learn more on our workforce team!
Learn more on D-HYDROFLEX project here.
Please subscribe here to our newsletter to keep updated on our activities.
