How Scantech’s 3D scanner enables Toshiba Hydro Power to inspect hydropower equipment

Toshiba Hydro Power (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd (THPC), born from the collaboration between Japan’s Toshiba and China’s Power Construction Corporation, is taking strides in innovation by exploring revolutionary 3D scanning technology. This initiative aims to elevate the precision and quality of hydroelectric equipment manufacturing while delivering state-of-the–art solutions to customers worldwide. With a solid foundation and extensive experience in the hydroelectric industry, THPC remains dedicated to advancing technological breakthroughs and crafting superior products. The company places particular focus on refining the design, development, and production processes of hydroelectric equipment, ensuring they stay at the forefront of the global energy landscape.

Hydroelectric energy is a clean, renewable energy source that can provide several benefits to society and the environment. It can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and increase energy security. Therefore, improving the quality of hydroelectric equipment can help maximize the benefits of this renewable energy source.

The hydropower industry is growing rapidly, and the large-scale equipment used in this sector requires large investments and high maintenance costs. It is important for hydropower equipment manufacturers to improve product reliability from design to manufacturing to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

Mr. Sato from leading company Toshiba Hydro Power (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd shared how they collaborated with Scantech to leverage 3D scanning to improve inspection.

The hydroelectric equipment manufacturer is trying to improve its parts

Hydroelectric equipment is composed of large and complex components that are affected by various factors during production and operation. These factors include vibration, humidity, temperature, acid and alkaline corrosion, etc. High-quality components can ensure the performance and durability of the equipment, as well as the efficient and stable operation of the hydroelectric unit. Therefore, hydropower equipment manufacturers can optimize their advantages.

The manufacturer in this story is trying to develop more advanced equipment to achieve greater capacity, speed and efficiency.

How a 3D scanner helps inspect hydroelectric equipment

Traditional measurement methods have some shortcomings, such as low efficiency, high personnel requirements and time-consuming. Furthermore, these methods cannot generate intuitive reports or provide comprehensive measurement data for further analysis. The lack of data means that these methods cannot provide complete guidance for subsequent maintenance and repairs. This is because operators and engineers cannot predict or evaluate equipment operating conditions without complete measurement data.

High-tech 3D scanning offers more diverse solutions for hydropower equipment manufacturers, from product design to manufacturing to maintenance. Using TrackScan-Sharp, Scantech’s advanced 3D optical laser scanner, operators can perform NDT testing on equipment to ensure quality. High quality helps extend the life of hydroelectric systems, reduce losses and improve efficiency.

Mr. Sato expressed his opinion on using TrackScan-Sharp: «TrackScan-Sharp can quickly acquire 3D data of optically tracked parts, and no targets are needed. I am impressed by the acquisition distance of 6 meters. It is very good compared to ordinary optical tracking systems. Since its workload is high, operators do not need to frequently move the tracker to scan the entire part.»

It is lightweight and portable, which can be installed easily. Working conditions in a factory are generally harsh. TrackScan-Sharp’s footprint is small and highly adaptable to harsh environmental conditions. It can be used on site to perform tasks.

TrackScan-Sharp can meet our quality control needs and help us provide high-quality products more quickly to our customers.

The advantages of the 3D optical scanning system

Free measurements and wide range

The optical tracking system features a 25MP industrial camera and a tracking volume of 49m³, providing high-resolution, wide-range measurements. It can acquire data from long distances in a wide range without the need to move the tracker frequently. This makes it ideal for measuring large parts such as: large hydraulic turbine blades, pumped storage unit guides, generator rods and more.

High-precision measurements for various scenarios

The system combines advanced hardware and rigorous algorithm to provide high-precision measurements for various tracking ranges: 0.049mm volumetric accuracy for 10.4m³ short-range tracking, 0.067mm volumetric accuracy for 28.6m³ medium-range tracking, and 0.089mm volumetric accuracy for 49.0m³ long-range tracking. It can easily capture the finer details of various components of medium and large hydropower equipment.

Advanced and efficient 3D scanning

TrackScan-Sharp can scan the entire part without requiring targets, saving time registering and removing targets. It also allows you to scan multiple parts at the same time, increasing measurement efficiency.

Real-time inspection reports

TrackScan-Sharp features powerful 3D software that can acquire, analyze and store data in real time. It can scan components of hydroelectric equipment and process point clouds to generate color maps. It can also store 3D data in the database for later archiving. TrackScan-Sharp provides accurate assessment of part condition to provide high quality products.

Scantech’s 3D scanners and 3D solutions are widely applied in power engineering, such as inspection of hydraulic turbine guide vanes, turbine casting, oil and gas pipelines, wind power flanges, etc. It helps many large-scale energy enterprises achieve digitalization, transformation and modernization.