Innovative inspection technology from Multinnov
Inspecting hydroelectric dams is as much a technical challenge as it is a strategic one. These colossal infrastructures play a major role in the production of renewable energy in France and around the world. Their smooth operation conditions not only the energy supply, but also the safety of downstream populations.
It is against this demanding backdrop that Multinnov deploys cutting-edge robotic solutions, such as the Roview2its floating robot dedicated to inspections in confined environments. On a recent mission, this robot was used to carry out avisual inspection of a hydroelectric dam in complex conditions, with no interruption to service and in complete safety. A concrete example of innovation at the service of performance and sustainability.
What is a hydroelectric dam and why is it essential to inspect it?
The function of a hydroelectric dam is to store water in a reservoir at altitude, in order to release this potential energy to power turbines and generate electricity. It is one of the pillars of renewable energy, capable of supplying adjustable and constant power, unlike wind or solar power.
But this performance is based on an infrastructure that is subjected to intense pressure and repeated operating cycles. Over time, disorders can appear : cracks in concrete, corrosion of reinforcement, obstructions in galleries, scouring at the base of structures...
The challenge of inspections is twofold:
- Prevent failures, which can have significant human, environmental or economic consequences;
- Optimize maintenance, by prioritizing necessary interventions without unnecessarily immobilizing installations.
To achieve this, operators must be able to access all areas, including the most difficult: headrace tunnels, penstocks, dissipation basins and valve chambers, which are often submerged or partially flooded.
What are the solutions for inspecting these infrastructures?
Historically, dam inspection has been based on several complementary methods:
- Manual inspection in visitable areas, carried out by technicians during dry-down or scheduled maintenance periods;
- Professional divers, used for underwater sections, but subject to high risks and strict regulatory constraints;
- Instrumented inspections, with displacement, humidity or pressure sensors, for continuous but partial monitoring;
- The use of video booms or fixed cameras, limited in range and image quality.
These approaches, while necessary, have significant limitations in terms of safety, efficiency, cost and business continuity. It is against this backdrop that autonomous inspection robots are gradually emerging as a robust alternative.
Roview2: a floating robot designed for confined spaces
Developed by Multinnovthe Roview2 is a wire-guided robot capable of operating on the surface of water in partially flooded pipes or galleries. It is a unique solution, specifically designed for confined environments where neither man nor conventional drones can intervene.
Its main technical features :
- Controlled floating : the Roview2 is perfectly stable on the water, whatever the variations in level, thanks to its optimized floating hull.
- Motorized 4K camera : it features a high-definition camera that can be swivelled, enabling full visual inspection with zoom, rotation and image capture.
- Remote control : connected by cable, it can be controlled from outside, with live video feedback, without the need for human intervention in the inspected area.
- Portability : lightweight, compact, deployable in less than 10 minutes by a single person.
- Resilience : designed for harsh environments (stagnant water, poor lighting, obstacles, deposits).
The Roview2 requires no emptying, no scaffolding, no invasive intervention. It can be easily integrated into a preventive inspection strategy, minimizing downtime.
A case study in dam inspection with Roview2
During a recent intervention on a French hydroelectric site, Multinnov was asked to inspect a partially flooded, non-visitable pipe gallery several hundred meters long. Previous inspections, carried out using pole-mounted cameras, did not provide a reliable overview, and complete emptying of the basin would have required several days' shutdown.
The Roview2 was deployed in just a few minutes at the gallery entrance. It traversed the entire length of the duct, following the water surface at a constant speed. Thanks to its integrated LED lighting and 4K camera, the technical team was able to :
- Identify areas of sedimentary deposits likely to limit flow ;
- Visualize small cracks on the inner walls of the concrete;
- Confirm thestability of the structure'sanchors .
All without human intervention in the confined environment, without stopping the nearby turbine, and with a visual report available immediately after the operation. A considerable saving in time, safety and reliability.
Why choose Roview2 for the hydropower industry?
Today's dam operators are faced with increasingly stringent requirements in terms of preventive maintenance, structure durability and compliance with safety standards. In this context, the Roview2 has become an essential tool:
- Safe : no operator exposed to hazardous or unhealthy environments.
- Effective : image quality, long range, precise control.
- Economical : reduced shutdown, installation and logistics costs.
- Ecological : no need to drain or disturb the aquatic environment.
- Versatile : applicable to dams as well as other hydraulic, industrial and port facilities.
This is a strategic investment for any company wishing to monitor its infrastructures without burdening its processes.
Multinnov, at the heart of innovation for confined spaces
For over 10 years, Multinnov has been designing, manufacturing and deploying inspection robots for the most demanding environments. Our expertise covers a wide variety of sectors: drinking water, wastewater, energy, heavy industry, nuclear, defense...
With the Roview2we offer a unique solution forinspecting flooded or hard-to-reach tunnels, while meeting the highest standards of safety and quality.
Our robots are designed and assembled in France, with full support from consulting to on-site deployment, training and maintenance. Multinnov is innovation at the service of intelligent monitoring of critical infrastructures.
When it comes to inspecting hydroelectric dams, there's no room for guesswork. Thanks to Roview2, Multinnov offers a reliable, fast and non-intrusive solution for exploring the confined, wet areas of hydraulic installations.
Faced with the challenges of safety, performance and the energy transition, the use of floating inspection robots represents a real step forward. A technology designed
to last, enabling operators to better control their infrastructures and anticipate risks, while optimizing their operations.
Inspection video link : Click here
