An AI-powered software solution from the subsidiary Austro Control Digital Services combines weather radar data with water level measurements and provides early warnings of the consequences of extreme weather.
Austro Control Digital Services has developed STYREX, a new digital warning system for small hydropower plants. The new solution helps operators to detect short-term extreme weather events earlier, better assess water level trends and implement operational measures in good time. STYREX was developed for Energie Steiermark Green Power and combines high-resolution weather radar data from Austro Control with up-to-date water level measurements at power station sites. A machine-learning model processes this data every 15 minutes and generates forecasts for the next three hours.
For small hydropower stations in particular, an assessment of the weather and water level situation that is as precise and up-to-date as possible is crucial. Localised heavy rainfall and thunderstorms can rapidly alter water levels and pose challenges for operational management. STYREX provides early, site-specific alerts and clearly highlights relevant developments.
“With STYREX, Austro Control Digital Services demonstrates how high-quality weather data, digital technology and artificial intelligence can be used to create practical applications for critical infrastructure. We combine meteorological expertise with data-driven forecasts, thereby delivering immediate benefits to operators of renewable energy plants,” says Gernot Waldsam, Managing Director of Austro Control Digital Services.
Clear warning system for rapid decision-making
The forecasts are displayed via a web and smartphone app. An interactive map shows power station locations and catchment areas. Detailed views provide information on precipitation and water level forecasts. A clear traffic-light system indicates at a glance whether the situation is within the normal range, whether more intensive monitoring is required, or whether specific action is needed. In addition, forecast data can be exported and integrated into existing operational monitoring systems.
“Combining operational data with weather information creates greater transparency and provides reliable early warnings. This enables us to respond more quickly and effectively to short-term extreme weather situations and further enhance the operational safety of our small hydropower plants,” explains Jörg Faschallegg, project manager at Energie Steiermark Green Power.
STYREX was initially developed for use at Energie Steiermark Green Power’s small hydropower plants. The successful pilot demonstrates how site-specific weather and operational data can be used to increase the resilience of plants to extreme weather events.
