Brief Challenge Description:

This challenge seeks innovative technological solutions for inspecting and repairing submerged structures in hydropower plants. The solution must be remotely operated and capable of performing tasks in challenging underwater environments where human safety is a priority.

The objective is to identify technologies that enhance the efficiency and safety of operation and maintenance activities, reduce costs, and minimize impacts on energy generation. Solutions must be adaptable to specific working conditions, such as significant depths and low-visibility environments, and address unfavorable conditions frequently encountered in river reservoirs, including:

• Wood Logs: Floating or submerged debris that may obstruct or hinder operations.
• Aquatic Macrophytes: Submerged or floating plants that can impact navigation or interfere with sensor functionality.
• Low Visibility: Due to water turbidity or suspended sediments.
• Water Currents Flows that may affect stability or operational precision.
• Local Atmospheric Variability: Variations in temperature and pressure, both in the environment and in river reservoirs.

The goal is to find technologies that improve the safety and efficiency of operations and maintenance, reduce costs, and minimize the impact on energy generation, even in adverse scenarios.
Mandatory requirements for the solution:

• Remote Control: Capable of operating without direct physical intervention on-site.
• Power Supply: Battery-operated for greater mobility and autonomy.
• Minimum Depth Resistance: Withstand pressures equivalent to at least 100 meters depth.
• Visual Monitoring: High-resolution video camera for precise inspections.
• Expandability: Modular design to accommodate additional tools or accessories for specific repairs.

Business Impacts:

The solution will enable inspections and minor repairs in submerged areas of hydropower plants. This will increase response speed to machine downtime and other underwater occurrences, optimize maintenance scheduling, reduce asset unavailability, and consequently promote greater operational efficiency.

• Faster Response Time: Quick solutions for inspection and repair reduce downtime of submerged assets.
• Operational Safety: Reduced risk to workers by minimizing the need for divers.
• Maintenance Optimization: Improved planning of corrective and preventive activities based on accurate data collection.
• Greater Energy Generation Efficiency: Reduced interruptions and impact on energy generation at hydropower plants.

Expected Benefits:

• Cost Reduction: Lower operational costs for underwater inspections and repairs; savings associated with reduced downtime in energy generation at hydropower plants.
• Extended Lifespan: Detailed monitoring prevents premature degradation of submerged structures and equipment.
• Technological Innovation: Use of robotics and automation enhances competitiveness and efficiency in asset management.