Research and development
Research and development is one of the key success factors of ANDRITZ and is based on customer demands for continuous further optimization of products and services
The research and development activities of ANDRITZ HYDRO are mainly focused on three areas:
- Turbine design
- Generator design
- Automation design
After more than 150 years of design and construction of hydraulic machines, there is still a need for research and development!
Today, efficiency, flexibility and reliability over a long lifetime are the major challenges in the market. To meet these requirements, the research activities of ANDRITZ HYDRO target improved hydraulic performance and operational behavior together with optimal mechanical design of the machine. The core of the R&D process focuses on optimization of the existing design and development features in order to match the equipment to today's customer needs. Another target is the improvement of new products, product features and manufacturing processes.
The research is conducted at several levels, from the development of optimal design features for individual machines, to the basic research on materials, fluid dynamics, structural mechanics, electrical design, and electronics.
The findings from basic research projects are quickly incorporated into product development and, at the same time, feedback from the power stations and customers is used as input for further product development and basic research.
Major tools for research and development are numerical simulation methods as well as experimental measurements in test rigs and on site. In both fields, ANDRITZ HYDRO uses high-quality equipment both with regard to measurement instrumentation and hardware as well as to simulation techniques and software.
Due to our global presence, the R&D team of ANDRITZ HYDRO is close to the customer and has access to research communities all over the world, a network which serves the exchange of knowledge and helps to create new ideas.
International associations rely strongly on the expertise of their members. The ANDRITZ HYDRO specialists participate actively in various committees, such as IEEE and IEC technical committees contributing to international standards and guidelines.
